BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory continues to engage persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in various activities that foster positive change, contribute to their rehabilitation, and prepare them for their eventual re-integration into society.
During the flag-raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall on September 9, Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory Jail Warden JSUPT April Rose Ayangwa reported updates on their programs for PDLs in the facility managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Ayangwa shared there are 33 PDL learners who are enrolled through the Alternative Learning System, with 11 in the elementary, 16 in Junior High School, and six in Senior High School. All the previous learners have passed the Department of Education-ALS assessment.
For the first time, the City Jail is implementing the College Education Behind Bars in partnership with the Benguet State University with six pioneering students. One has been released and is continuing his studies outside. The BJMP City Jail Male Dorm, in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Trade and Industry among others continue to conduct trainings to provide skills and valuable insights empowering them to income-generating activities even while in jail.
Ayangwa reported that there are 315 persons PDLs currently confined in their facility. Around 4.5 percent of the PDLs is composed of senior citizens who are ensured with their welfare as older individuals, 30% are with health conditions, and are constantly provided with medical care and attention, and 9% belong to the LGBQIA+ community.
In terms of age distribution, 35% of the PDLs are between 18 and 30 years old; 31- 41 years old,38%; 42- 53 years old,21%; 54-69 years old,3% and 70 years old and above-3%.
From April to September 2024, a total of 23 PDLs have been released. The city jail has upscaled the safety and security of the PDLs with zero incidence of escape, riots, and violence, an indication of the dedication and commitment of the custodial personnel and the cooperation of the PDLs.
The Baguio City Jail Male Dorm also upholds the rights of the PDLs to vote with a total of 300 individuals or 97% registered voters.
Aside from educational opportunities, trainings and livelihood projects, Ayangwa assured that all PDLs are undergoing programs to prepare them for reintegration in the society.
“All PDLs have benefited from the interfaith program, the sports and cultural, and behavioral intervention programs contributing to this holistic development,” she said.
The city jail also supports the mental health of the PDLs. The jail warden thanked the city government of Baguio, government agencies and other stakeholders for their support for the success of the initiatives and programs of the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm.
The Baguio City Jail Male Dorm is awarded the best city jail nationwide during the 33rd BJMP anniversary celebration last July. (JDP/DEG/John Paul Moyano, PIA-CAR, PHINMA UPang Intern)
