Reformation is a long process and the government is offering offenders the chance to not only reform but also improve their lives.
This is the goal of the Therapeutic Community (TC) program implemented by the Parole and Probation Office (PPO).
“It is an environment that helps people get help while helping others. It is a treatment environment that brings about behavioral changes,” said Siquijor PPO chief probation and parole Officer Welma Gosanes-Divinagracia.
Divinagracia shared the story of Carlo (not his real name), a probationer who is now working as a bartender after benefiting from the TC program.
Charged and convicted in 2019 for violation of certain provisions of RA 9165, or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Carlo was granted a four-year probation.
He had been reporting to the Siquijor Parole and Probation Office where he underwent the TC program anchored on behavior management, intellectual and spiritual aspects, emotional and social aspects, and vocational and survival aspects.
“The journey was not easy for him,” said Divinagracia, adding that after his conviction, Carlo went through difficult times trying to reform himself.
Carlo was a tour guide and coordinator of foreign visitors to the island.
“He said he learned to use illegal drugs from his customers, which at first was just an experiment. But through the years, his drug use became intense which resulted in his arrest,” said Divinagracia.
Carlo liked the way the drugs made him feel. He tried his best to stop his addiction, but he found himself backsliding several times.
With the help of the Siquijor PPO program and the support of his family, Carlo was able to turn his life around and fully reform.
He consistently tested negative in drug tests conducted as part of PPO’s monitoring on his compliance with the probation conditions.
Carlo then enrolled in several skills trainings organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, earning certificates in the following courses: Prepare and Mix Shaken Cocktails, Workplace Communication, Solid Waste Management in the Workplace, English for Tourism Professionals, and Microsoft Digital Literacy.
He completed Bartending NC II at the Lazi Technical Institute and has successfully completed his practical work experience in bartending services with flying colors.
Carlo’s hard work has not gone unnoticed, as his achievements have been recognized by the Siquijor PPO.
“His physical appearance has been improving. Thus, this year, his efforts are being recognized by giving him a special award for his performance which has become a good example for other non-performing clients to also do their best in the rehabilitation program,” said Divinagracia.
She added that Carlo has proven that despite his shady past, he can change for the better while developing a positive mindset about his future.
Community clean-up activity is part of the therapeutic community of the reforming offenders under the Siquijor Parole and Probation Office. (Photo courtesy of PPO)
He enrolled several skills training in Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and has acquired certificates in Prepare and Mix Shaken Cocktails, Workplace Communication, Solid Waste Management in the Workplace, English for Tourism Professionals, and Microsoft Digital Literacy. He received Bartending NC II of Lazi Technical Institute and has successfully completed his practical work experience on Bartending services with flying colors.
“His physical appearance has been improving. Thus, this year, his effort is being recognized by giving him a special award for his performance which has become a good example for other non-performing clients to also do their best in the rehabilitation program, said the Chief Parole and Probation Officer.
“Very participative ni siya in all sessions ug grabe gyud ang change sa iyang personality. (He is very participative and I really see the great change in his personality). He is very talented, she said.
“I am thankful that unlike those in other cities, our reforming offenders here are very responsible and cooperative in all our office’s interventions. Mo comply gyud sila, maybe because of the community and the environment nga less kaayo ug (which has very less) negative influence,” also said Divinagracia.
She said her office has been catering to at least 174 reforming offenders, 5 are parolees and the rest, probationers.
She said the office has recently conducted seminar on Gender and Development (GAD) related laws, gender equity and equality, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Siquijor, in partnership with the Isla del Fuego Volunteer Probation Assistants Association (VPA) who also shared their bundles of joy.
Hopefully, despite sa kalisod sa panahon, maenjoy lang gihapon nila ang Spirit of Christmas, ang real essence of Christmas aron happy ra gyud ta despite sa mga struggles nga maagian sad nato. Karon with the high cost of living, luoy gyud ni sila but they should consider themselves blessed nga naa sila sa gawas, where they can spend and become productive individuals with their family compared to those times when they were behind bars. Maong lipay pud ni sila sa mga gipanghatag sa ila.
(Hopefully, despite the challenges, we will stille enjoy the Spirit of Christmas, the real essence of Christmas so that we will be happy despite the struggles that we have encountered. With the high cost of living,I really pity them but they should also consider themselves blessed that they are now outside of the cells, where they an spend and become productive individuals with their families compared to those times when they were behind bars. I know they are happy with what they’ve got.) (RAC/PIA-7 Siquijor with reports from Irine Mae P. Talaroc/Siquijor PPO)
