DOLE-hired inmates help BJMP beautify jail facility

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- At least 27 detainees or persons deprived of liberty (PDL) participated in the government’s emergency employment program to enhance the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s district jail facility here.

The PDLs, who participated in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), undertook various tasks such as repairing and cleaning detention cells, planting vegetables in the jail garden, and enhancing the facility with ornamental features.

These activities aimed to promote discipline, skill development, and environmental stewardship, according to Cherry Mosatalla, the provincial director of DOLE.

Mosatalla said the TUPAD workers will each receive P8,300 as compensation for their 20 days of work, which concluded on July 8.

The DOLE will arrange a payout for the beneficiaries of the PDLs, she said.

“Malaking bagay po sa amin ang TUPAD, lalo na po sa mga tulad naming matagal na hindi nadadalaw. Ang matatanggap po naming sahod ay napakalaking tulong para sa aming pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan,’’ a female PDL said.

(TUPAD has been a tremendous help for us, especially for those who haven’t had visitors in a long time. The wages we will receive are a significant support for our daily needs.)

She also said that beyond the financial assistance, it has provided emotional relief as well.

They have felt a renewed sense of energy and a different atmosphere while working, she added.

“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa BJMP sa kanilang buong suporta sa pag-implement ng TUPAD program sa kanilang pasilidad. Isa ito sa mga pinaka makabuluhang proyekto sa ilalim ng programa, at tunay na nakakatuwang makita ang positibong epekto nito sa ating mga PDL,’’ Mosatalla said.

(We are extremely grateful to the BJMP for their full support in implementing the TUPAD program within their facility. This initiative is one of the most significant projects under the program, and it is heartwarming to witness its positive impact on our PDLs.)

Mosatalla said it demonstrates that when agencies collaborate, they can create real change.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, rehabilitation, and reintegration, proving that every Filipino, regardless of their circumstances, deserves an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society, she added.

She said she was optimistic that “more projects like this will be implemented under the TUPAD program.”

“Nagpapasalamat at nagagalak po kami at ang Daet District Jail Annex ang napili at naging kauna-unahang pasilidad sa Bicol Region na nabenipisyuhan ng TUPAD program,” said Jail Inspector Desman Onsat.

(We are very grateful and delighted that the Daet District Jail Annex has been chosen as the very first jail facility in the Bicol Region to benefit from the TUPAD program.)

Onsat emphasized that this program offers more than just wages.

“It provides hope and dignity to our PDLs. The financial support they receive will significantly help them provide for their families outside, as many of them are breadwinners,” he said.

The program represents a remarkable step toward the reformation of PDLs, demonstrating that society values them and is willing to offer them opportunities, he added. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)