In Iloilo, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is actively involving persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in a range of livelihood projects aimed at preparing them for life after incarceration. According to Jail C/Insp. Mark Malhabour, warden of the Iloilo District Jail Male Dormitory in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, helping inmates become productive members of society upon release.
The PDL are involved in diverse activities such as vegetable gardening, furniture-making, and baking. As the holiday season approaches, they are also busy crafting Christmas lanterns, expecting to fulfill orders for 700 to 800 pieces. These lanterns, varying in size, are priced between PHP450 and PHP2,500.
A significant portion of the jail’s 1,500-square-meter area is dedicated to gardening, where inmates grow vegetables using seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture. The produce is sold to visitors and the local community, with some also available for bulk purchase, while the remainder is used within the facility.
The jail also operates a furniture shop, where PDL craft items like mahogany furniture sets and wall clocks under the supervision of BJMP staff. Additionally, the facility’s bakery allows inmates to bake bread, which is either consumed within the jail or sold externally.
The income generated from these activities directly benefits the PDL, enabling them to support their families financially. Warden Malhabour emphasized that these initiatives not only help change the lives of the inmates but also contribute to building a safer nation. He noted that the busy schedule helps the 847 PDL at the facility feel less confined and more hopeful about their future.