STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — At least 600 individuals joined in the three-kilometer “walk for a cause” organized by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Urdaneta District Jail-Male Dormitory (UDJ-MD) on June 29 at Diversion Road-Anonas in Urdaneta City to support the welfare and rehabilitation of 386 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Jail Chief Inspector Randy Batay-An said this was the first fundraising walk activity held as part of the BJMP Community Service Relations celebration with the theme: “Nagkakaisang Kawani at Pamayanan tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” and it will be followed by similar activities, such as fun runs.
Through this activity, the BJMP was able to raise funds amounting to P64,800, with an additional P30,500 from various sponsors, bringing the total amount to P95,300.00.
Batay-An said, “The proceeds will benefit the PDL livelihood sustainability program, the construction of a child-friendly visitation area and jail library, and environmental initiatives.”
He added the activity also aims to promote the health benefits of walking and strengthen bonds with other government agencies and communities.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), walking offers several benefits including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mental health, and better bone and muscle strength.
Ardel Briones, a 54-year-old from Barangay Rosario in Pozzorubio who has undergone hip replacements in both hips, expressed his joy during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan for completing the 3km walk.
He said, “Dahil sa kalagayan ko ay mahilig talaga akong maglakad-lakad para sa kalusugan ko at gusto ko ring makatulong sa proyekto ng BJMP.”
(Because of my condition, I really enjoy walking for my health, and I also want to help with the project of the BJMP).
Kathleen Legaspi, a 19-year-old student at Panpacific University in Urdaneta City and resident of Barangay San Isidro in Rosales, conveyed her happiness and described her positive experience participating in the fundraising walk.
She said, “Although we walked a long distance, it was fun because we met new people and also managed to reduce some fat.”
Aside from the “walk for a cause,” the display materials crafted by the PDLs were showcased to the public to highlight their skills and creativity, as well as to sell them to interested buyers.
Banong, not his real name, said the BJMP’s livelihood program has been a great help to him and his family.
He said, “Kapag natapos ito (wall clock) at maibenta namin, magkakaroon kami ng pera na maipapadala sa aming pamilya.”
(Once this wall clock is finished and we are able to sell it, we will have money to send to our family).
For those who want to order or customize a design, they may contact JO3 Parayno at 0915-380-3591.
Likewise, the UDJ-MD calls on the public to support the livelihood programs of their PDLs. (MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
