In celebration of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW), the Caloocan City Government in coordination with the Caloocan City Jail, conducted various activities, including a motorcade of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officials and recreational sports activities for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) on Monday, October 24.
The said celebration aims to raise awareness on the different programs that PDLs undergo for their well-being, and to also gather public support and acceptance towards PDLs after their rehabilitation.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan said that the city government aligns its objectives to help PDLs access basic services. With this, he announced that the City Health Department (CHD) shall conduct a medical and dental mission scheduled on October 26.
“Magsasagawa po tayo ng medical at dental mission sa Miyerkules. Nais kong maramdaman ninyo ang serbisyo at malasakit ng ating gobyerno upang sa paglabas niyo rito ay maging katuwang din namin kayo sa pagsusulong ng isang payapa at maunlad na Lungsod ng Caloocan,” The Mayor stated.
City Jail Warden Supt. Emmanuel A. Tolentino stated that there are various programs for PDLs including its moral recovery program, literacy program, spiritual enrichment, medical services and the like. In line with this, he expressed his desire to formulate an aftercare program for PDLs in coordination with the city government and different Barangays.
“Bukod sa ating mga kasalukuyang programa, plano din natin na magkaroon ng aftercare program upang tiyakin na may mga oportunidad na naghihintay para sa ating mga PDLs sa kanilang paglabas. Kami ay makikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t-ibang barangay ng ating lungsod upang alamin ang mga trabahong kailangang mapunan sa ating lungsod at upang kami ay makapagbigay rin ng angkop na training at workshops sa ating PDLs,” JSupt. Tolentino said.
He likewise thanked the Mayor and the city government for its unwavering support for the city jail’s efforts, especially on helping rehabilitate PDLs to be functional members of the community.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa suportang aming natatanggap mula sa ating pamahalaan, hangad din po namin ang suporta at buong pagtanggap ng ating komunidad sa ating mga PDLs sa kanilang pagbabalik sa ating komunidad,” he added.
The Mayor also expressed his genuine support and appreciation to PDLs in their livelihood projects, and to those who are doing their best to finish their basic education.
“Ikinatutuwa ko pong malaman na ang ating mga PDLs ay nagagamit at napagkakakitaan ang kanilang talento sa arts and crafts, bukod pa rito, may mga PDLs din tayong nagpupursigi na pumapasok sa Alternative Learning System o ALS. Nakakagalak ako na kayo ay nagsisikap maging kapaki-pakinabang na bahagi ng ating lipunan,” Mayor Along said.
