ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) opened its Christmas Parol Bazaar to the public on Thursday, Oct. 20, in front of the BJMP compound on Varela St. here.
The switch-on of a big lantern signaled the start of the Christmas bazaar which is expected to run until New Year’s Day.
Jail Chief Insp. Fe Galvez, jail warden, described the annual tradition of lantern-making by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) as a way to help them sustain the needs of their families outside the jail.
This was the first time, however, that a Christmas bazaar was organized to help sell the products made by the PDLs.
Aside from the lanterns, the Christmas bazaar also offers wallets, bags, bracelets, and other items made by the PDLs.
Prices of lanterns range from P200 to P2,000, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design and handiwork.
Those interested in purchasing the lanterns are invited to visit the Christmas bazaar from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.