The Christmas vibe has come early at the San Juan City Jail, courtesy of parols (holiday lanterns) made by inmates.
City Jail warden JM Sabeniano told Manila Bulletin that the inmates make handmade parols to give hope and light during trying times.
" handmade parol ng ating mga preso, makulay, matibay, at siguradong gawang may puso (The handmade lanterns of our inmates are colorful, durable and made from the heart)," Sabeniano said.
The inmates, he said sell their holiday lanterns for P200 to P280 a piece to help their families.
"Atin po silang binibigyan ng gamit at training upang mahasa sila lalo. Dito sa San Juan City Jail, we dare to make innovations. Ang proceeds po nito ay mapupunta sa kani-kanilang pamilya (We give them training and materials so they could further hone their skills. Here in San Juan City Jail, we dare to make innovations. Proceeds from their sales will go directly to their families)," Sabeniano said.
The parols are made from used newspaper, bond paper, and colored cellophane.
Aside from these, the inmates also make foot-operated alcohol dispensers from wood.
Sabeniano said creating the dispensers is one of their way to join the country's fight against COVID-19.
"Bilang tulong sa ating mga kababayan sa labas ng kulungan. Bilang panlaban sa pandemya (This is their way of helping fellow Filipinos defeat the pandemic)," he added.
The inmates sell the dispensers at P1,700 each. Delivery is free within the National Capital Region.
Sabeniano urged the public to patronize the inmates' livelihood projects to give them hope, hone their skills and support their families while serving time in jail.