By Nimfa Estrellado BJMP Quezon, JSUPT Jack Lord Cariño, Warden of BJMP Quezon District Jail, JCINSP Elaine Toledo, Warden of Lucena City Di...
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| BJMP Quezon, JSUPT Jack Lord Cariño, Warden of BJMP Quezon District Jail, JCINSP Elaine Toledo, Warden of Lucena City District Jail, Female Dorm, PIA Manager Lito Giron along with media partners during Kapihan sa PIA Quezon on March 13, 2024. (Photo from Lito Giron) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - As part of its ongoing commitment to rehabilitation, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Calabarzon is planning to partner with a local university to provide inmates with the opportunity to pursue higher education while serving their sentences.
During the #KapihanSaPIA Quezon, hosted by PIA Manager Lito Giron and Ruel Orinday with media practitioners on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, JSUPT Jack Lord Cariño, Warden, BJMP Quezon District Jail, announced this BJMP regional initiative providing higher education access to PDLs to promote rehabilitation.
"We believe education is a powerful catalyst for positive change and a brighter future," said JSUPT Jack Lord Cariño, Warden of BJMP Quezon District Jail. "This partnership empowers Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and paves the way for successful reintegration into society."
The program is open to PDLs who meet specific academic and behavioral requirements. BJMP Quezon will work closely with the university to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all participants.
Additional BJMP Initiatives
The college partnership will build on BJMP Quezon's existing educational programs, including the Department of Education's Bureau of Alternative Learning System, which provides continuous learning opportunities. The facility emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, including mental health support, skill development, and programs promoting personal growth.
"Continuous po ang ating educational program sa facility. Katuwang po dito ang Department of Education sa Bureau of Alternative Learning System, kaya ating mapipili ay patuloy po nakakapag aral kahit nasa loob ng piitan at may pagkakataon din na nabibigyan ng opportunity hanggang senior high." PSUPT Cariño said.
BJMP Quezon also prioritizes post-release support with its aftercare program, according to to JCINSP Elaine Toledo, Warden of the Lucena City District Jail, Female Dorm, providing inmates with livelihood training, TESDA certification, and job placement assistance to aid in their reintegration into society.
"Meron po kaming programa sa BJMP na aftercare program na bago po sila irelease binibigyan sila ng training tapos may certificate from TESDA, tapos pwede sila magpacerify sa paglabas nila para magamit po nila sa paghahanap ng trabaho, pwede din po namin sila iinedrorse sa city government para sa job applications po nila," JCINSP Toledo said.
JCINSP Toledo also highlights BJMP Quezon's commitment to supporting the families of inmates. A relations committee assists visitors in resolving issues regarding their loved ones, demonstrating this regular program.
Shifting away from the harsh systems of the past, BJMP Quezon now employs a holistic approach to rehabilitation. This aims to dispel misconceptions about suffering within prisons and emphasize the potential for inmates to build new lives.
Women's Month Celebration
The BJMP Quezon celebrated Women's Month with a series of empowering activities, including Family Day, Children's Day, seminars on anti-violence laws and healthy relationships, and a community clean-up drive supported by partners and the wives of male inmates.
JCINSP Toledo highlighted the additional programs available for female inmates, such as cervical screenings, gift-giving, motivational talks, skills training, mental health activities, yoga, self-defense training, a pageant, and talent contests. These programs, along with TESDA online activities, demonstrate BJMP Quezon's commitment to the wellbeing of female PDLs.
BJMP Quezon showcased beautiful products created by PDLs, including bayong bags, pillowcases, souvenirs, and customized items like kubo and keychains. Regularly featured at Pacific Mall Lucena, these products highlight inmate talent and support rehabilitation efforts.
Demonstrating their commitment to wellbeing, BJMP Quezon adheres to the Pinggang Pinoy nutritional guidelines, ensuring PDLs receive balanced meals. Additionally, they have plans to open a new facility in Lucena next year and introduce bed sheets as a new product made by PDLs, further expanding opportunities for rehabilitation.
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