PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Puerto Princesa City Jail Female Dormitory culminated on Sunday a social service initiative for female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and their children—their own adaptation of honoring women during the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC).
Regional information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said that aside from complying with the directive from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to conduct activities empowering the women, the BJMP is also celebrating the month to step up efforts in strengthening and maintaining family connections during incarceration.
“Maintaining and strengthening family connections during incarceration is crucial for both the incarcerated individual and their family, as it can lead to improved mental health, reduced recidivism, and better post-release outcomes,” he said.
For the project dubbed “Kalinga sa Pamilya ni Juana: Anak Mo, Anak Ko,” the PPCJFD has lined-up various activities, which include mental health awareness seminar, ‘zumba’ sessions, medical outreach mission, arts and crafts activity, storytelling, gift giving and feeding program, livelihood training and aftercare program.
Acting city warden Senior Jail Officer 4 Consuelo Basaya expressed her appreciation to their partner agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Palawan, Correctional Institution for Women (CIW)-Palawan, Puerto Princesa City Library, Palawan Medical Society, and the Barangay Council of Santa Monica.
She said, the outreach program is just one of many initiatives organized by the PPCJFD to mark Women’s Month. “We must underscore the importance of partnership between the government and society towards creating an inclusive society, where every woman and every gender are accorded with equal rights and opportunities for development.”
A response was given by one of the PDLs in the person of Luzviminda (not her true name). She said that Women’s month at BJMP is more than just a celebration. It is a beacon of hope that opens doors for female PDLs to progress despite their current circumstances.
The National Women’s Month Celebration 2025 underscores the government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance. Through these initiatives, it envisions a society where all women’s potential is fully recognized and supported, ensuring a brighter future for everyone. (Photos courtesy of JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)
