Cabarroguis, Quirino (PIA) – The Cabarroguis District Jail in Quirino province has recently opened the “Bread of HOPE” (Honing PDL Skills Towards Excellence) bakeshop, an initiative designed to equip Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with valuable baking skills while generating income to support their personal needs and families during their incarceration.
Jail Senior Inspector Janos F. Taeza, the district jail warden, explained that the project goes beyond teaching baking skills; it is a key step in preparing PDLs for their eventual reintegration into society.
“The bakeshop is the result of a strong collaboration among various partner agencies, all of which contributed their time, effort, and resources to make this project a reality,” Taeza said.
Collaboration and Community Support
The warden expressed gratitude to the provincial government, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for their financial contributions toward the construction of the bakeshop.
He also acknowledged the Quirino State University – Cabarroguis for providing training to the PDLs who will work as bakers in the facility.
In addition, Taeza thanked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for offering tile-setting skills training to the PDLs, which was applied in the construction of the bakeshop’s floor.
Taeza further commended the Rural Health Unit – Cabarroguis for helping secure the necessary health certifications to qualify the PDLs as bakers, ensuring they meet the required health standards.
Grand opening and blessing
The grand opening and blessing of the bakeshop were attended by notable figures, including Froctoso P. Agustin, OIC-Head of the DOLE Quirino Field Office; Rodrigo Dela Peña, a representative from the Governor’s Office; Sangguniang Bayan members Tirso Abuan and Leilanie Vinluan of Cabarroguis; as well as faculty and staff from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration programs of Quirino State University – Cabarroguis.
This new initiative underscores the importance of providing PDLs with opportunities for skill development and income generation, supporting both their rehabilitation and future reintegration into society. (OTB/TCB/PIA Region 2)
