MNCCI joins PDL MoU signing

The Caceres Commission on Prison Welfare thru the Maximilian Ministry has recently invited the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry on August 13, 2024 to join in a multi-party MoU signing on the special occasion of the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolby- the patron for persons deprived of liberty or PDL at the Archbishop Palace, Elias Angeles St., Naga City. The Prison Welfare Ministry is a social action arm of the Archdiocese of Caceres mobilized by Bro. William P. Menes, and chaired by Reverend Fr. Jayson S. Gaite. The Ministry renders personal services in the Five (5) jail facilities within Camarines Sur area in cooperation with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). These BJMP facilities are the (1) Naga Male Dormitory with approximately 500 inmates, (2.) Naga Female Dormitory with approximately 45 inmates, (3.) Tigaon BJMP with around 220 inmates, (4.) Iriga BJMP with approximately 500 inmates, and the Camarines Sur Provincial Jail and Penal Farm with approximately 800 inmates.

From the words of Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, DD.: “Inspired and challenged by the words of Jesus from the Scriptures, “I was in prison and you visited me” the Maximilian Ministry continues to initiate and facilitate whatever social services it could extend to the PDLs through collaboration with other equally generous agencies and other service providers supporting with us in this endeavors.” Among the major stakeholders and partners who co-signed with the memorandum of understanding were DepEd Camarines Sur’s Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Norma B. Samantela, Naga City’s DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Susan Collano CESO V, University of Nueva Caceres President Dr. Faye Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Naga College Foundation and MNCCI President Mario C. Villanueva with the company of all members of the Board of Directors, Camarines Sur BJMP Provincial Commander JCInsp. Denver S. Tirao, the Camarines Sur provincial jail wardens and representatives, and a sole donor and benefactor Mrs. Mary Grace Zaragosa Stein.

Expressions of commitment and support from these key leaders highlighted the MoU signing earmarking some specific programs that concretely address not only through material provisions but also restorative justice that promote the dignity of human persons.