ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. formally inaugurated on Sept. 3 P41-million Kanlungan ng Kabataan Reformation Center aimed to provide shelter and rehabilitation for homeless individuals, and to support youth in need of care and guidance.
“The Kanlungan ng Kabataan Reformation Center aims to be a beacon of hope, embodying the city’s compassionate approach to improving the lives of all its citizens,” Lazatin said.
A multifaceted facility the center also encompasses the Bahay Pag-Asa, Sagip Batang Solvent Reformation Center, and temporary shelters for homeless families and mentally-challenged individuals.
The newly-built Kanlungan ng Kabataan also comprises a training center, a classroom for alternative learning systems, recreation areas, mess halls, dormitories with eight rooms, and a conference room.
Lazatin said the center will soon collaborate with the Department of Education to provide ALS (alternate learning system) and enlist the assistance of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for training programs.
City social welfare and development officer Edna Duaso said licensed therapists are available on-site to address the mental well-being of the children.
The city government, Duaso added, has also hired and trained house parents and staff, comprising social workers, to provide a supportive environment for the children.
Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, who had supervised the construction of the newly-built reformation center with city engineer’s OIC Helen Ayro, meanwhile shared that the center will establish meal plans, house rules, and engaging activities to promote their well-being and growth.
With the opening of the center, Lazatin instructed his chief adviser IC Calaguas to oversee the all-out rescue operations of street children and street families.
“Iyong mga taga Angeles City po na street families will be accorded all necessary assistance para makapag simula ulit,” Calaguas said.
“Yung mga bata naman po will undergo counselling and assessment, pati na rin po ang kanilang mga magulang habang temporary na naka-house sa Kanlungan ng Kabataaan,” she explained.
Calaguas, who served as acting deputy director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during the time of DG Aaron Aquino, was also instrumental in the establishment of PDEA’s Sagip Batang Solvent shelter in Quezon City back in 2019.
“Doon nga actually patterned itong Bahay Kanlungan. However, in-expand ni Mayor Lazatin ang services,” Calaguas said.
It has been Lazatin’s commitment to protect the welfare of homeless individuals, which reflects the city’s dedication to caring for society’s abandoned members and offering comprehensive support to vulnerable youth.
Present during the blessing of Kanlungan ng Kabataan are Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, city Councilors Atty. Arvin Suller, Alexander Indiongco, Marino Bañola, JC Aguas, and Crisanto Cortez, and some department head and officers-in-charge. Angeles CIO
