66 paintings of Bilibid's PDLs on exhibit at SC's main lobby
Sixty-six paintings in oil and acrylic done by persons deprived of liberty at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City are now on display at the main lobby of the Supreme Court (SC) in Ermita, Manila.
The Valentine’s Art Exhibit and Sale dubbed “Mga Pinta ng Pag-asa Mula sa Puso ng mga PDL” will be at the SC’s lobby until Feb. 16.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo led the opening of the PDLs’ art exhibit. He was joined by Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro Javier, Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Antonio T. Kho, Jr.
The SC’s Public Information Office (SC-PIO) said the art collection is part of the output done by PDLs at the NBP’s medium and security compounds and are the expressions of “the PDLs’ thoughts, aspirations, and emotions.”
The SC-PIO said the artists are from the Kulay Group of Artists, Maximum Security Compound; School of Fine Arts, Education and Training Section, Medium Security Compound; and Work and Livelihood Section, Medium Security Compound.
It said that those interested in purchasing any of the paintings on display may contact the office of Associate Justice Marquez through (02) 8525-713. The proceeds will be turned over to the PDLs.
In his visit to the NBP last year, Chief Justice Gesmundo underscored the judiciary’s “unwavering commitment to supporting rehabilitative initiatives that enable PDLs to address challenges, acquire new skills, and lead them towards positive personal and artistic growth.”
“Whether it is freedom or justice that you await, may you continue to find strength, hope, and guidance from the Divine. Keep dedicating yourselves to your studies and embracing this path of rehabilitation as preparation for your return to your families and communities’, Gesmundo told the PDLs.
For his part, Justice Marquez also echoed “the importance of supporting rehabilitative efforts within the Philippine justice system.”
“Rehabilitation programs provide an opportunity for individuals to address PDLs’ challenges, learn new skills, and work towards positive change. By supporting personal development, through education, vocational training, sports, arts, and mental health services, rehabilitation can help individuals rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to their communities,” Justice Marquez said.
Last January, Justice Marquez -- as team captain of the SC’s basketball team -- led the Judiciary Magis Cares project “with the mission to spread joy, hope, and give inspiration to the inmates and residents through sports.”
The visits of Chief Justice Gesmundo and other SC justices to various detention centers led to the two-day Jail Decongestion Summit last December.
The summit conducted by the SC, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government came up with various programs and policies for the decongestion of jail facilities in the country.