CONCEPCION, Tarlac (February 4, 2025) — A new sanctuary for those in need is set to open here.
Spearheaded by Mayor Noel Villanueva and funded with the support of Senator Joel Villanueva, the P50 million project aims to provide safe shelter and fresh opportunities for vulnerable individuals in the community.
“Pangarap namin na magkaroon ng shelter para sa mga abused women and children, abandoned elderly and people in need of recovery. Ultimate objective ng ating bayan na maging ‘balen malugud’ (loving town) ito,” the Mayor Villanueva said.
“Bale Lugud” consists of two key facilities: Bahay Kalinga and Balay Silangan, each designed to serve specific groups in need.
Bahay Kalinga is a temporary shelter for abused women and children and abandoned elderly. Now fully constructed, the facility features 16 rooms — eight for women and children and eight for the elderlies — each accommodating up to four individuals.
Beyond shelter, Bahay Kalinga will provide counseling, recovery programs, and social support to help residents heal and reintegrate into society while their cases are being processed or their families are being located.
Meanwhile, Balay Silangan is in the final stage of completion. The facility is a rehabilitation center dedicated to drug offenders seeking to transform their lives. The facility has six rooms, each accommodating six individuals.
Operating under the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Balay Silangan will offer various interventions, including counseling, values formation, life skills training, community service, and physical activities — all designed to help reformers become productive members of society.
