In a bid to help inmates rebuild their lives, the Puerto Princesa City Jail launched a sewing skills program to prepare Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) for life after release.

The Basic Sewing Livelihood Skills Training Program is a partnership between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trades (PPSAT).

Held at the PPCJ Multi-Purpose Hall, the training runs from June 16 to 23 and includes 25 PDLs, 20 men and 5 women, who will learn basic sewing techniques from a PPSAT instructor.

Each participant will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training, which could help them find work or start small businesses once they return to society.

“By imparting practical skills like sewing, we not only prepare PDLs for sustainable employment but also instill a sense of purpose and dignity. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering self-reliance and facilitating meaningful reintegration into society,” Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, BJMP MIMAROPA Information Officer, said.

One PDL said the program gave them a new sense of hope.

“Hindi ko inakala na matututo ako ng pananahi habang narito... ang pagsasanay na ito ay nagbigay sa akin ng pag-asa at layunin. Ngayon, mayroon akong kasanayan na magagamit ko upang suportahan ang aking sarili at ang aking pamilya kapag ako’y napalaya. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa pagkakataong ito upang baguhin ang aking buhay,” the PDL said.