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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UST students open online shop to help women of CIW

UST students open online shop to help women of CIW

Published Feb 11, 2021 09:47 am

Two University of Santo Tomas (UST) graduate students have launched an online shop to help inmates in the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) market their handmade products.

(Photo courtesy of Vea Jane Estrada and Joan Isabel dela Cruz)

Vea Jane Estrada and Joan Isabel dela Cruz' "Yugto Creations Livelihood Products" features handcrafted products by the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Mandaluyong City. 

Estrada said the project started as an academic project under the guidance of former Manila Bulletin editor and UST Asst. Professor Jenny Ortuoste.

"We wanted to come up with a project that could be of actual use to our chosen advocacy or institution, instead of merely producing an academic output," Estrada told the Manila Bulletin.

Incidentally, their friend Elizabeth Cachin from the People's Television Network informed them that PDLs of CIW create livelihood products and need help in marketing their crafts. Cachin eventually helped them connect with the CIW.

"The road leading to this project wasn't easy. We had a number of challenges that made us think this project wouldn't be possible. It started out as a final academic output and we came up with an idea to make it more of an advocacy project especially during the pandemic," Dela Cruz said.

"There were lots of products that remained unsold because they lacked product presence to the market and people couldn't go easily inside the institution," she added.

(Screencap from Vea Jane Estrada and Joan Isabel dela Cruz)

Why "Yugto?"

Estrada said they came up with "Yugto" or fundamental transition, because it best describes the work and livelihood program of CIW.

"The products do not just generate income, but this will also serve as an instrument of change and development for the women detainees. That although they are isolated in the society, their stories do not end there, they can still change," she added.

(Photo courtesy of Vea Jane Estrada and Joan Isabel dela Cruz)

The shop includes products ranging from woven mats to beaded bags and wallets. 

CIW was founded in 1931 with a mission to reform detainees through work and livelihood programs as they prepare to re-enter the mainstream of society renewed and with better outlook in life. The programs of the institutions also include moral, spiritual, educational, and vocational training.

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