By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Eight houseparents assigned to the Social Development Center (SDC) in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport were removed due to “anomalous acts.” Executive Assistant Sammy Montoyo, who serves as SDC cluster head, said the houseparents in question were Bacolod City Hall job order casuals assigned to the division.
He noted, while they were removed after receiving several complaints, two of the personnel are still working with the city but assigned to other offices, the remaining six may return by next month after requesting consideration.
After conducting a thorough investigation, it was revealed illegal drugs were coming in and out of the center along with mobile phone rental, in-house prostitution, and permitting children in conflict with the law and children at risk to escape.
Montoyo added, as of now, they are conducting an evaluation to the four regular city employees presently assigned to SDC following a separate complaint filed against them.
The city allocated a P2 million budget for repairs on the center’s fence and to deploy several Public Order and Safety Office personnel to the facility.
Montoyo also noted, a P10 million budget was allocated for renovations in 2020.
At present, there are 35 minors under SDC custody of SDC with 19 of them are facing illegal drug cases, while others face cases pertaining to robbery, murder, attempted homicide, among others.
The eight removed houseparents were already replaced, Montoyo added.
The center has 15 houseparents./DGB, WDJ