ILOILO CITY – Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Iloilo City District Jail can now look forward to better reintegration prospects as the city government renews its support for their rehabilitation through a livelihood training initiative.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, in her first official memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing since assuming office, reaffirmed the city’s partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Aug. 4 for the continued implementation of the Jail Pantry Training Program.
Also onboard are the Technical Institute of Iloilo City and Philippine Foremost Milling Corporation as key partners in the effort.
“Padayon ang Jail Pantry Training para sa aton mga persons deprived of liberty,” Treñas said after the ceremonial signing. “Ginpadayon naton ang inisyatibo to partner with the BJMP, Technical Institute of Iloilo City, kag Philippine Foremost Milling Corporation para sa Jail Pantry Training Program sa aton Men’s Dormitory sa BJMP — my first MOA signing as mayor.”
The Jail Pantry Training Program focuses on skills training in cooking and baking. It aims to prepare PDLs for life after incarceration by giving them marketable skills that can be used for livelihood.
“Pinaagi sini nga programa, mahatagan oportunidad ang aton persons deprived of liberty nga makabaton sang training sa cooking kag baking agud may dal-on sila nga skills sa ila pagwa nga mahimu nila pangabuhian,” Treñas said. “Gusto naton ipabutyag sa aton PDLs that they deserve a second chance in life — bisan sin-o pa man ukon bisan ano man ang ginhalinan.”
The city government has framed the initiative as part of a broader push toward inclusive development and restorative justice, anchored on the belief that people behind bars can still contribute meaningfully to society when given proper support and training./PN
