LEGAZPI CITY – The ‘e-dalaw’ virtual visitation program for inmates in the Bicol Region has been significantly improved with the addition of new communication tools. On February 6, 2025, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Region V handed over 18 tablets to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Bicol, aiming to enhance the connection between inmates and their families.
Senior Jail Officer 1 Ruth Castor from BJMP-5’s community relations service highlighted the impact of these new devices. ‘The addition of these tablets will strengthen our program by increasing the number of available gadgets. This will help maintain and improve relationships between inmates and their loved ones,’ she explained.
The e-dalaw program is closely monitored to ensure security. ‘Inmates do not initiate the calls; we contact their families under supervision. This prevents any unauthorized communication,’ Castor added.
The new tablets will benefit the 3,672 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) across 29 jail facilities in the Bicol Region. The devices have been distributed to various locations including Sorsogon City and Irosin in Sorsogon province, Masbate City, Aroroy, Mobo, Placer, and Cataingan in Masbate province, Daet in Camarines Norte, and several towns in Albay province such as Camalig, Pio Duran, Sto. Domingo, Oas, and Guinobatan.
This initiative not only facilitates communication but also supports the emotional well-being of inmates by keeping them connected with their families and friends, especially those unable to visit in person.