ANGELES CITY — Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. formally inaugurated the P41-million Kanlungan ng Kabataan Reformation Center in Barangay Sta. Teresita on Tuesday. The facility is 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. In addition, the center is a multifaceted facility, encompassing the Bahay Pag-Asa, Sagip Batang Solvent Reformation Center, and temporary shelters for homeless families and mentally-challenged individuals. The new facility also comprises a training center, a classroom for alternative learning systems (ALS), 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 and enlist the assistance of Tesda for training programs. According to City Social Welfare and Development officer Edna Duaso, 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, including social workers, to provide a supportive environment for the children. Executive Assistant Reina Manuel, who had supervised the construction of the center with City Engineer's Officer in Charge Helen Ayro, said the center will establish meal plans, house rules, and activities that will promote their well-being and growth. With the opening of the center, Mayor Lazatin instructed chief adviser IC Calaguas to oversee the all-out rescue operations of street children and street families. "Street families in Angeles City will be accorded necessary assistance para makapag simula ulit," Calaguas said. "Children will undergo counselling and assessment, as well as their parents, while they are temporarily staying in the center," said Calaguas. Calaguas, who then served as Acting Deputy Director General of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during the time of DG Aaron Aquino, was also instrumental in the establishment of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency's Sagip Batang Solvent shelter in Quezon City back in 2019. Present during the blessing of the center were Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, City Councilors Arvin Suller, Alexander Indiongco, Marino Bañola, JC Aguas, and Crisanto Cortez, and some department heads and officers in charge.
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