Valenzuela shares rehab center with neighbors

VALENZUELA City’s newly launched drug treatment and rehabilitation center would also be open to residents of neighboring cities.

The drug problem “is an interconnected issue, which transcends the physical borders of our city. That is why we are opening the doors of Balai Banyuhay not just to Valenzuelanos but also to our neighboring cities,” said Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian who, along with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, led in inaugurating the facility in Barangay Punturin over the weekend.

The city-funded five-story center is Valenzuela’s way of offering hope for struggling drug dependents who seek healing and recovery and ultimately lead a reformed life, Gatchalian said.

Balai means home in the ancient Filipino dialect, and banyuhay is the shortened version of bagong anyo ng buhay, or metamorphosis or transformation.

“It has been envisioned that through the establishment of Balai Banyuhay, Valenzuelanos who underwent severe drug dependence can be rehabilitated and reintegrated as productive members of the community,” the mayor said.

The facility will accept clients, even those endorsed by neighboring cities.

It was established through an ordinance authored by Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Council action officer, Councilor Bimbo de la Cruz, and Councilor Ramon Encarnacion.

The 2,600-square-meter center received the certificate of accreditation from the Department of Health last February 13.

Its services and facilities include a 100-bed capacity sleeping headquarters, detoxification section, medical consultation section, psychological section, clinical laboratory, drug-testing laboratory, dental section, workshop area, multipurpose sports area, and lecture rooms.

Providing holistic treatment and intervention, Balai Banyuhay has a wide variety of programs, including therapeutic community modality, aftercare, educational, livelihood and spiritual program.

It has a staff of 53 trained and client-centric personnel.