(Photo by PNA)
LEGAZPI CITY – Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Tabaco City District Jail in Albay are putting their livelihood training into practice by fabricating collapsible stalls now being used at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Albay Coco Expo Year 5.
At least 15 stalls made by PDLs are being used at the five-day trade fair in a mall in Legazpi City, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Bicol.
BJMP Bicol information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said the project shows how skills development programs inside jail facilities can translate into actual livelihood opportunities.
“The project highlights the role of livelihood and skills development programs in preparing PDLs for eventual reintegration by allowing them to develop practical competencies that can be applied to income-generating activities after their release,” Anglo said.
He said the stalls were produced through the PRIMOS Producers Cooperative, giving participating PDLs hands-on experience in fabrication and delivery of finished products for public use.
“Rather than limiting rehabilitation to activities conducted within jail facilities, the initiative provides PDLs with an opportunity to participate in an actual production process, from fabrication to delivery of a finished product for community use,” Anglo said.
The Albay Coco Expo, which opened on Oct. 7, features coconut-based products from 18 exhibitors, including micro, small and medium enterprises, coconut farmers, and registered coconut organizations and cooperatives in the province.
The trade fair aims to expand market access and business opportunities for coconut farmers and MSMEs through product promotion, buyer matching and skills development under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.
For the PDLs, the project provides an opportunity to apply technical skills learned while in detention and gain experience that could help them pursue livelihood opportunities after their release.
BJMP said the initiative also highlights the value of partnerships among correctional facilities, government agencies and training providers in supporting rehabilitation and productive reintegration.
