KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Region 12 ensures that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) acquire the necessary skills for future livelihood opportunities.
“We are implementing skills training and enhancement programs with persons deprived of liberty to equip them with skills that are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to help them support their livelihoods once reintegrated,” Jail Inspector Kirk Steven Vale, chief of the Community Relations Service Section of BJMP Soccsksargen, said.
The BJMP aims to equip persons deprived of liberty with the necessary tools to promote self-reliance and contribute positively to their communities once they have served their sentences.
Vale assured the public that all city, district and municipal jails in the region are doing their best to meet the needs of persons deprived of liberty.
The BJMP encourages citizens to support persons deprived of liberty by purchasing their products displayed during regional trade expositions.
“The livelihood products of our persons deprived of liberty are displayed inside the jail facilities; however, there are bazaars where we are invited by different malls or partner agencies to showcase the products made by our persons deprived of liberty. With those venues, we were able to sell a large volume of their products, which is a big help to our persons deprived of liberty,” he explained.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology also emphasized that the health and well-being of persons deprived of liberty are a priority in their facilities, where disease prevention and treatment are enforced.
He said that as part of the intervention, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology provides medical care and rehabilitation to ensure that sick inmates are properly treated and taken care of.
The agency also offers educational opportunities to persons deprived of liberty, highlighting the agency’s commitment to ensuring complete mandatory education.
“The Bureau of BJMP is not only committed to the security of our community, but there are also programs so that the persons deprived of liberty become part of it,” Vale added, saying it aims to integrate college-level education into its educational program for persons deprived of liberty in the region.
To ensure persons deprived of liberty’s positive outlook during detention, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is able to manage properly by using the Therapeutic Community Modality Program, which focuses on rehabilitation and personal development.
This program encourages inmates to engage in productive activities leading to supportive relationships among them and developing a sense of community and responsibility.
According to Vale, they also implement cultural and sports programs as additional avenues for personal growth and expression.
“Through the various programs we offer, we’ve seen significant changes in persons deprived of liberty. They are becoming more disciplined, responsible and hopeful about their future. Their self-confidence has grown, and they’re increasingly motivated to pursue their dreams,” Vale said. (CRM – PIA Region 12)
