French ambassadors visit QC jail female dormitory for mural painting, gift giving
By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
French ambassadors and the local government of Quezon City visited on Monday, Nov. 28, the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory (QCJFD) in Diliman, Quezon City to distribute gifts to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and hold a mural painting activity.
French artists and PDLs painted murals along the perimeter walls of the facility which took three hours to complete.
The city government said the event is in partnership with SPARK Philippines which is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness on protecting women's rights.
It also said the activities were part of the celebration of the 75th year of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines and in preparation for the upcoming International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
In line with the event, a facility tour of the detention building was conducted to visit the female PDLs.
The city government said the event will strengthen the relationship between the aforementioned two countries in developing "a focus on gender issues as part of a global project on women's rights and LGBTQ+ with priority on women from low-income, marginalized, underserved communities, and persons deprived of liberty."
Meanwhile, SPARK Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves led the ceremonial gift-giving of beauty products (hair and skin care products) to the female PDLs.
Among the honored guests of the event were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, Philippine Commission on Women Executive director Atty. Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chavez, Mind You Chief Executive Officer Yuri Marshall, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR) assistant regional director for administration Jail Senior Supt. Rowena Barredo, BJMP-QCJFD warden Jail Senior Supt. Ma. Ignacia Monteron and Gender and Development- Technical Working Group (GAD-TWG) chairperson Jail Senior Supt. Filipinas Fulgencio.
The PDLs also entertained the guests through dance performances and showcasing their hand-woven bags from "buli" or palm.