VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The Vigan City government, through its City Social Welfare and Development Office, conducted an outreach program for people deprived of liberty at the city jail March 10 as part of its Women’s Month celebration.
Thirty-one people deprived of liberty—including six women—received hygiene kits containing bath and laundry soap, towels, shampoo, slippers and other essential items.
The CSWDO also organized a feeding program in collaboration with various women’s organizations in the city, including Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center parents, Child Development Workers, city government employees and the Day Care Service Parents group.
Additionally, the Rotary Club-Vigan City Chapter provided free medical checkups, including X-ray services and medication.
CSWDO Officer Celerina Agcamaran emphasized that the hygiene kits were specifically requested by the people deprived of liberty as they are crucial for their daily needs.
“We understand that although they are imprisoned, we must acknowledge that they are still residents of our city. So, we want to show them that they are still remembered and cared for,” she said.
Extending its assistance further, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also visited the provincial jail to provide similar support to four city residents detained there.
Voices
In a phone interview March 14, a 33-year-old female person deprived of liberty expressed gratitude for the continuous support provided by the city government.
“The hygiene kit is a big help to all of us, especially in our daily lives. We are grateful because you are still willing to assist us here. Thank you for your support, and we hope you never tire of assisting us. We are hopeful that you will always be here for us,” she said.
She also extended her appreciation to agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for offering free skills training.
Through these programs, people deprived of liberty have been able to create and sell handmade products such as crochet items, rugs, vases and handicrafts made from beads and flower decorations at trade fairs organized by the provincial and city governments.
Meanwhile, a 31-year-old male person deprived of liberty noted that the hygiene kit he received would last about a month, easing financial burdens for both him and his family.
“Every year, we receive hygiene kits and, in past years, we have also received food packs. I would like to thank the city government of Vigan for all the aid they have given us,” he said.
The outreach program is just one of many initiatives organized by the city government to mark Women’s Month.
Other upcoming activities include a job fair and free breast and cervical cancer screenings, scheduled for March 28 at the Vigan Convention Center. (CCMT/JMCQ/AA, PIA Ilocos Sur)
