Parol making helps San Juan City's PDLs earn for their families

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the San Juan City Jail are dedicating their time making parols to earn money for their families at home.

According to Jun Veneracion’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, more than half of almost 300 PDLs were trained to make the Christmas ornaments. One of them is Joseph (not his real name).

“Kahit papaano, nakakapagpadala ako ng pera po sa kanila sa pag gawa ko ng parol na ‘di ko naman po nagagawa dati sa laya,” he said.

Richard (not his real name) added that the parols serve as a symbol of hope for them to be with their loved ones again. He said they all just try to stay strong while behind bars.

“Malungkot talaga ‘pag malapit na ang kapaskuhan. Sobrang lungkot talaga,” he said. “Tinitiis lang po, iiyak na lang po namin.”

The parol-making program started at the San Juan City Jail last year. Then, the project earned almost half a million pesos, which was shared to the PDLs’ families.

“Ito’y isa sa paraan para mapakita nila sa ating mga kababayan na meron silang ambag sa lipunan,” Jail Senior Inspector JM Sabeniano said.

“Pwedeng ang mga preso pala ang magbigay ng liwanag sa kanya-kanyang tahanan ng ating mga kababayan sa labas,” he added.

Each parol is priced from P350 to P450. Interested buyers may contact +639153456310 or the BJMP San Juan CJ. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011489419679

—Franchesca Viernes/LDF, GMA News