Since ornamental plants and gardening has become the most popular go-to project among people desperate to fill long and empty hours, district jail warden Jail Senior Inspector Rodante Cayabyab, brought up the idea of making decorative flower pots to the PDLs.
“This is our PDLs' way of being financially independent where they don't need to ask for money from their families outside, especially now that almost everyone is economically struggling,” said Cayabyab.
He said that the materials for their crafts are provided by the jail facility. When their product gets sold, the profit is given to the inmate who made the item.
"As long as there is a demand for our handcrafted products, our facility will continuously produce the same," Cayabyab added.
BJMP Mimaropa information officer, Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said that aside from mainly helping the PDLs become self-sustaining, the livelihood projects are also part of the BJMP's rehabilitation program for the PDLs.
“This kind of program gives PDLs a chance to participate in income-generating activities while serving their sentence. They are provided an opportunity to earn money for their personal maintenance and to provide financial support to their families back home,” he said.
Anglo is asking the public's support, especially since the sustainability of this project depends on the demand. (Photo courtesy of JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)