The local government of Pasig on Thursday, Oct. 9, turned over 3,324 sacks of rice and various livelihood and security equipment for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Pasig City Jail Male and Female Dormitories to strengthen their livelihood programs and support their daily needs.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto led the turnover ceremony, together with Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski and members of the 12th City Council, including Councilors Angelu De Leon, Boyie Raymundo, Eric Gonzales, Pao Santiago, Ryan Enriquez, and Simon Tantoco.

The city jail received 40 sewing machines, four closed-circuit television (CCTV) packages, and 3,324 sacks of rice, with 418 for the Female Dormitory and 2,906 for the Male Dormitory.

To show transparency, Sotto said each sewing machine costs P17,000 per unit, each 25-kg sack of rice costs P1,050, and each CCTV package costs P96,000 per set, including cameras, cables, a monitor, a hard drive, and installation.

In his message, Sotto said that empowering every Pasigueño, whether inside or outside the jail, remains the focus of the city government’s programs. This includes the rehabilitation of PDLs and the improvement of livelihood programs inside the facility and in the city.

“We want our PDLs to have opportunities for growth and to be productive members of our community,” he said.

The vice mayor also encouraged the PDLs to use the sewing machines given to them to further develop their skills.

In addition, Sotto mentioned that six motorcycles previously requested under the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan had already been turned over to the BJMP to help with their daily operations.

Pasig City Jail Male Dormitory Warden JSupt. Lloyd Gonzaga thanked the local government for its continued support and care for the facility and the PDLs.

To also express their gratitude, the PDLs gave their handmade crafts, such as pyrographic woodworks, beadwoven bags, and tote bags, to the city officials and employees who joined the program.