Jail Management and Penology chief Director Allan Iral's idea of a perfect Christmas is for Filipinos to patronize handmade lanterns of the persons of disabilities (PDLs) under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
As such, he urged Filipinos to purchase them in support of the livelihood projects of BJMP inmates this Holiday seaso.
Iral cited that the Yuletide season has been the most anticipated time of the year for the BJMP’s persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as it provides them the opportunity to earn through the ‘parols’ (Christmas lanterns) they sell making it ‘the most joyful season of the year’ for them.
“Ngayong taon, muling hinihikayat ng BJMP ang lahat na maging bahagi ng pasko ng ating mga PDL sa pamamagitan ng pagtangkilik ng gawa nilang mga parol (This year, the BJMP is encouraging everyone to be part of the PDL’s happy Holiday season celebration by patronizing their handmade Christmas lanterns),’’ Iral said.
As early as August, the BJMP noted that the PDLs of Negros Occidental District Jail – Male Dormitory have started the production of hand-crafted lanterns in preparation for their sale during the Yuletide season.
“The same goes for the PDL of San Juan City Jail – Male Dormitory, who are known for their colorful lanterns made of bamboo, colored plastic charol and lights,’’ the BJMP said.
The PDLs of Pateros Municipal Jail are also preparing the bulk production of custom-built lanterns which will soon light up the streets of the municipality.
Meanwhile, the other BJMP jail facilities like the Cadiz City Jail, Talibon District Jail, Ormoc City Jail - Male Dormitory and Digos City District Jail – Female Dormitory among others have announced on their respective Facebook accounts that they are now accepting customized orders.
The costs of PDL-crafted lanterns usually vary depending on the size and complexity of the lantern with the huge ones being more expensive as it is harder and more complex to make with Christmas lights usually installed in them.
“Purchasing and patronizing products made by our PDL will be a great help for them and their families, especially in this time of pandemic,” Iral stated.
The BJMP chief hopes that the project “may not be misconstrued as a simple accommodation of PDL products but ultimately an extension of hope to people behind bars who are also wishing for the Christmas season to be merry.’’ (Chito A. Chavez)