For many Filipinos, breakfast isn't complete without a serving of pandesal. For inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the provincial jail in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the humble bread has become a source of livelihood. 

The initiative started when 25 inmates joined and won a competition organized by a US-based non-profit organization, earning them a prize of P150,000. 

"Nagkaroon sila ng P150,000 na pera, so tinanong ko sila kung anong gusto nilang gawin, kung anong livelihood ang gusto nila, at napagkasunduan nila na baking," Raymond Tabios, the Provincial Warden, said.

The day for baking pandesal begins at 4 a.m. As beginners, the inmates produce 200 pieces of pandesal a day, which they could sell for P1,000. The bread reportedly sells out quickly among fellow inmates. 

"Pag nakabenta sila, sa kanila yung 50 percent… yung [other] 50 percent, yun din yung binibili natin sa ingredients," Tabios said.

One of the bakers, alias Biboy, sees this opportunity as a stepping stone for a better future.

"Malaking tulong [ito] kasi nagkaroon ako ng knowledge about baking, and yung income [na] para sa sarili ko [ay] para hindi na mamroblema yung pamilya ko sa labas," he said.

The Provincial Jail aims to expand the market for the bread to help more inmates. They are eyeing supplying a large school daily with their products, including the special ube cheese pandesal.

This baking initiative not only provides a source of income for the inmates but also equips them with skills they can use once they are released, giving them hope and a chance for a better future.