TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Borongan has officially opened ‘Balay Paglaum’, a government-funded facility that will serve as a temporary shelter for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)—the first and only one of its kind in Eastern Samar.
The facility, whose name translates to “House of Hope,” was launched as part of the city’s broader effort to support and rehabilitate children in crisis situations.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Verina Amoyo shared that Balay Paglaum will function as a child-caring institution, providing short-term residential care to CICL aged 15 to 18 years old who are awaiting court decisions or transfer to other agencies or jurisdictions.
“This bahay pag-asa, which we call Balay Paglaum, is for our children. This facility will offer temporary but meaningful care to help them move forward,” Amoyo said.
The shelter is equipped to address the health, nutritional, psychological, educational, and legal needs of its residents. It will also offer targeted interventions for children with drug-related issues, counseling sessions for parents, and a structured support program guided by a multi-disciplinary team.
Representing Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda at the launch, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jojito Acla emphasized the facility’s role in giving troubled youth a second chance.
“The launch of Balay Paglaum gives these children hope to reclaim their lives and become assets to society,” Acla said.
City Councilor Atty. Kathlyn Jane Cainday and Prosecutor Edito Castillo, who also attended the event, expressed their full support for the initiative in their capacity as members of the legal community.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
