BACOLOD City – A new library at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) Male Dormitory in Bago City, Negros Occidental will aid the learning of around 600 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The learning hub, established in collaboration between the NODJ and Negros Occidental Provincial Library, will serve as an empowering tool for PDLs, not only boosting their knowledge but also transforming their lives while being detained.
Provincial Librarian II Rio Lynne Panisa said NODJ acting warden Chief Insp. Alexander Sy reached out to them earlier this year.
“It took us about a month to do the preparations. We also conducted a book donation drive. We helped them design the jail library. We conducted an orientation for the PDLs on how to use the library and for the personnel on how to manage it,” Panisa told the Philippine News Agency.
The library is equipped with about 1,000 donated books and other reading materials.
It also supplements the education of over 100 PDLs enrolled in the Alternative Learning System and those under the College Education Behind Bars program.
Visiting family members, including children, can also utilize the library.
Further, the Provincial Library, together with the Talisay City Public Library, partnered with the Talisay City Jail, headed by Chief Insp. Elvin Tagaytayan, for the establishment of the same inside its facility. Inaugurated on March 11, it supports about 200 PDLs./PN
