ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. distributed gift packs to 1,100 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Iloilo District Jail (IDJ) in Barangay Nanga, Pototan.
On Dec. 23, Defensor and the department heads of Iloilo provincial government were at IDJ, formerly known as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Nanga, to hold the traditional activity.
The gift packs contain toiletries and food, among others.
Because of this, the PDLs are thankful to the governor for remembering them this holiday season.
Alias “Ramon,” one of the PDLs, said they sincerely appreciate those who visit them, especially because the families of some PDLs cannot visit.
Defensor last held the gift-giving activity at IDJ in 2019, before the coronavirus disease pandemic.
The tradition was started by the governor’s father, former Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., in celebration of his birthday, which falls on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
BJMP Assistant Regional Director for Operations and Iloilo Provincial Administrator Jail Supt. Vicente Papelera, and IDJ acting warden Jail Chief Insp. Denver Beltran assisted the governor in the ceremonial distribution of gift packs to representatives of the different dormitories inside IDJ.
Papelera thanked Defensor for bringing back his traditional gift-giving activity, which had been missed by the IDJ inmates for three years.
Defensor assured the BJMP officials and inmates of the Iloilo provincial government’s continued support in terms of infrastructure and improved facilities.
He also floated the idea of livelihood and skills training for the inmates at the provincial government’s Agriculture Research and Training Center, located just outside the IDJ.
A Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Ildefonso Cachuela preceded the gift-giving activity.
Also present were Punong Barangay Julie Sequio of Barangay Nanga and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Press Corps.
The officials and staff of Iloilo Provincial Employees and Community Multi-purpose Cooperative also helped facilitate as part of their community service.
As an expression of gratitude, the BJMP gave Defensor a Certificate of Appreciation and a colorful painting made by inmate Abner Politico./PN
