Various arts and handmade products crafted by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are displayed at the five-day anniversary trade fair of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 3 that started on Friday, Aug. 12, at SM City Marilao.
BJMP Regional director Chief Supt. Rebecca B. Pawid, said the arts and products made by the PDLs came from Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, and Zambales.
She said their yearly celebration is not just about the hard work and sacrifice of their personnel or agency, but also to recognize the skills, craftsmanship, and most of all the transformation of PDLs detained in 37 jails in Central Luzon.
BJMP national headquarters director for Welfare and Development Chief Supt. Felixberto S. Jagorin Jr. said the purpose of the trade fair is to open an avenue where people can patronize PDLs’ creation.
"The trade fair here at SM is an avenue for our PDLs to generate income during their confinement in the facility for their personal upkeep and financial support to their families," he said.
Jagorin added the trade fair likewise serves as a platform to boost PDLs’ morale while debunking the stigma that surrounds jail inmates.
He said they wanted to showcase their skills to let them know that their situation does not make them less as a person but has a capacity to change, grow, and develop.
Among the products displayed at the BJMP anniversary trade fair are art paintings, native bags with hand-painted designs, twine bags, baskets, bead accessories, coin banks, rugs, handicrafts, home decors, and baked goodies.
The proceeds of the trade fair will be directly given to the PDLs.
The programs are being undertaken in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Alternative Learning System assists BJMP in PDLs education. (Freddie C. Velez)