“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
This line from Theologian Albert Schwetzer has inspired SJO4 Ernie Olendo as he strives to make a difference in the lives of Persons Deprived of Liberty, their families and to the communities.
He is the Unit Chief and Development Welfare Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Roxas City Jail in Brgy. San Jose.
SJO4 Olendo is among the 2024 national awardee as Best Livelihood Program Officer – Type B Jail Category of the BJMP’s Search for Outstanding Jail Officers dubbed “Gawad Penolohiya” during a recognition program last Oct. 28 in San Mateo, Rizal.
The Capiceño jail officer got the award from among the 56 regional awardee personnel endorsed by the BJMP 6 for the national screening of the prestigious competition.
“This award is another inspiration for me, as a jail officer, to more projects and innovations for our PDLs,” he stressed, sharing the recognition with the various BJMP partners that had fueled his dedication, hard work, and commitment to make a difference in the PDL’s lives.
As a jail officer, he tirelessly looked for ways and employed various strategies in order to help on the socio-economic needs of the PDLs and their families.
These included the conduct of various skills trainings on craft making, entrepreneurship, bread and pastry production, values formation, simple accounting and bookkeeping. It was through all the trainings that the PDLs learned new skills to engage into livelihood activities.
As such, the proceeds or profit from the venture are given to the inmates’ families to provide for their needs.
“The training on craft and souvenir helped the PDLs not only to have a source of income but also to develop the sense of worth and creativity by utilizing locally available resources,” added Olendo, who has been a consistent monthly and quarterly awardee as Livelihood Program Officer and Best Welfare and Development Officer from among the 29 jails region wide.
He also proudly shared that a Wooden Statue or Trophy used for then the Search for Mutya ng Capiz and Mutya ng Roxas City were made by the PDLs. The statue was carved as a lady standing gracefully
The design is of a lady standing gracefully was exquisitely carved by the PDL’s and finished with a beautiful earthen color that gives it a look so fitting for the winners of prestigious beauty pageants.
Olendo has also been instrumental in fostering the BJMPs partnerships with private companies, ensuring sustainability of the livelihood opportunities for the PDLs.
The products of the PDLs usually end up in various local, regional and national trade fairs and caravans through his facilitation and networking with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism.
During the 35th PhilippineTravel Mart on September 6-8, 2024, the PDLs wood-based wall clocks were among the best sellers of the province’s products which were displayed in the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“It is my hope that through the help of the community, we can be a channel of hope and blessing to the PDLs and their families,” he noted.
After all, the initiatives that Olendo have poured into his job to raise the public service in jails also give the PDLs the opportunity be free in crafting and carving again their life just like what they did with their products. (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz)
