PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will distribute hygiene kits to female relatives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) confined at the Puerto Princesa City Jail Male Dormitory in support of the crucial role of hygiene and health in women’s empowerment.
Jail Officer 2 Jahzeel Delos Angeles said the target recipients are female relatives who usually visit the PDLs, including the wives, sisters, and even their partners. The city jail male dormitory will also extend the distribution activity to the community after providing food packs last year.
“Ngayon ay focus tayo sa health since isa din ‘yon sa program sa women’s month. Iyon ay magagamit ng ating kasamang babae sa society,” she said.
The distribution of hygiene kits is among the programs scheduled in this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.
Delos Angeles said the dormitory’s support for women empowerment is all-year round, wherein gender and development (GAD) program is implemented in collaboration with various agencies and non-government organizations.
There is also an information drive given to PDLs and communities to highlight the rights and contributions of women in society. The BJMP also views it as recognizing the roles played by female personnel inside the male dormitory.
On the other hand, JO1 Ella Mae Famorcan said despite the challenge to handle male PDLs, Women’s Month is also a time to remind everyone of the important contributions made by women in various sectors like jail management.
“Sa mundo na madalas na pinapangunahan ng mga kalalakihan, pinapapaala ng women’s month ‘yong papel ng kababaihan sa lahat ng aspeto ng lipunan.,” she said.
There are only four female personnel deployed in the city jail’s male dormitory to assist in securing the welfare of the 200 PDLs in said facility. Their job also includes orienting the relatives of a PDL committed inside, who usually are females, on the rules and policies implemented.
With the limited number of personnel, JO1 Camille Galacan encourages female aspiring jail officers to join the BJMP workforce, which she assures will have no discrimination all throughout the recruitment process.
“Lakasan lang natin ang loob, babae tayo, kaya natin ito. Mas galingan natin para sa pamilya natin. Mahirap ‘yong papasukin niyong trabaho sa una pero kapag minahal niyo siya, magiging madali na lang at magiging parte ng buhay niyo,” she said.
March 8 is declared as International Women’s Day (IWD) and is also supported by Republic Act No. 6494, declaring the day as National Women’s Day in the Philippines. The United Nations recognized the IWD as a day to honor women’s contributions and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights globally.
The entire March is also celebrated as National Women’s Month in the country. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
