For the second time this year, the Supreme Court (SC) opened its doors and allowed until July 31 the display of the artworks of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and those still confined at the Manila City jail.

Last February, the SC allowed the display at its main lobby of 116 paintings in oil and acrylic done by PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

The Valentine’s Art Exhibit and Sale dubbed “Mga Pinta ng Pag-asa Mula sa Puso ng mga PDL” was held until Feb. 16, 2024 and generated a total of P653,500 from the sales of 100 out of 116 paintings.

This time, the display of artworks is dubbed “Kulay ng Pag-asa” (literally Color of Hope) which features the works by the Bagong Buhay Group of Artists (BAGA), a community of former PDLs and indigent citizens, and PDL artists at the Manila City Jail.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, who spearheaded the project, led the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.

Also present were Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda of the Sandiganbayan, Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo of the Court of Tax Appeals, and BAGA founding President Joey D. De Leon, a former PDL himself.

The SC said the proceeds of all sales during the exhibit, which is aimed at supporting former PDLs as they reintegrate themselves into society, will be for the benefit of BAGA and its projects, and for PDLs still at Manila City jail.

BAGA supports arts education in the Medium-Security Camp of the NBP and other detention facilities by providing art materials for student rehabilitation.

The SC said that during the opening of “Kulay ng Pag-asa,” one of the featured artists, Salvador “Budz” P. Natividad, presented three of his works using the wood burning technique which he learned from a visiting artist while he was at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan. 

Natividad said it took him a whole month to finish his “Last Supper” with all the different facial expressions of the subjects.

In his visit to the NBP in 2023, 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 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.