BJMP CALABARZON’s regional trade fair displays arts, handmade products of PDLs

By JO2 Joefrie Anglo BJMP Quezon Provincial Administrator's Office LUCENA CITY, Quezon —Various artworks and handmade products cre...

By JO2 Joefrie Anglo

BJMP Quezon Provincial Administrator's Office

LUCENA CITY, Quezon —Various artworks and handmade products created by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are now on display on October 11, 2023, at the Event Center of Pacific Mall-Lucena as part of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Calabarzon's regional trade fair.

The two-day livelihood trade fair, conducted by the BJMP Quezon Provincial Administrator's Office, is led by Jail Supt. Arvin Abastillas and showcases the arts and products of PDLs from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.



Abastillas explained the purpose of the trade fair is to open an avenue where people can patronize PDLs’ creation. “The event also serves as a platform to boost PDLs’ morale while debunking the stigma that surrounds jail residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jail Senior Supt Ma Arlene Guillera, BJMP Calabarzon's assistant regional director for administration, stated that the Jail Bureau appreciates the abilities, workmanship, and, most importantly, the transformation of PDLs.

Guillera also recognizes the hard work and commitment of correctional officials in allowing their clientle to reform, grow, and develop.

“The trade fair here at Pacific Mall-Lucena is an avenue for our PDLs to generate income during their confinement in the facility for their personal upkeep and financial support to their families," she added.

Among the products displayed at the BJMP regional trade fair are art paintings, twine bags, rubber slippers, miniature kubo houses, bead accessories, coin banks, rugs, home decor, and baked goodies.

This event is being undertaken in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Quezon, led by Gerardo Marasigan, and Pacific Mall-Lucena through its assistant managers, Elvira Tagunicar and Kit Nanea.

The three also served as judges and evaluated the products based on the scoring criteria provided by the organizers. The partnership with TESDA-Quezon ensures that the event promotes skill development and showcases the talents of local artisans.