KALIBO, Aklan – Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are not spared from the impacts and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Aklan District Jail, the female PDLs usually have to contend with livelihood opportunities while serving their jail time as part of the rehabilitative program of the government.
Aklan Golden Salakot Eagles Club (Aklan GSEC) is aiming to improve the lives of PDLs by partnering with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during these challenging times.
Aklan GSEC is one of the six chartered clubs of The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagles in Western Visayas.
On April 2, 2022, two sets of sewing machines and laundry items were turned over by Aklan GSEC to the PDLs through Jail Warden Senior Jail Officer 3 Portia Gerardo.
For now, Eagle president Woody Lacanaria expressed his gratitude to the club members for engaging their services through strong brotherhood in helping PDLs of Aklan District Jail Female Dormitory to become creative and productive individuals.
“In a week, they (PDLs) will produce pot holders, doormats, and the like, to be sold to the market. In that way, they would be able to earn income and sustain their needs,” he added.
The sales from the livelihood program will go directly to the PDLs, which means they will have personal funds in paying court and other legal fees and buying hygiene materials.
Female PDLs are also involved in ginger tea (salabat) making and boneless Bangus making as sources of income even as they stay in district jail.
Also present during the turnover of sewing machines and laundry items were Unit Welfare Development Officer Jail Officer 2 Honey Grace Martesano, and Jail Inspector Rolyn Malolos, Jail Warden of Aklan District Jail Male Dormitory./PN
