As the 'ber months' begin, inmates at Dagupan City Jail are busy making beautiful parols, or Christmas lanterns, bringing both hope and a source of income.
With local government units placing more orders, the parols are not just decorations; they symbolize a longing for family and a brighter future.
"Mayroon tayong na-distribute na order from court, mayroon din tayong mga incoming orders. May mga pre-orders na sila sa Lingayen, yung mga various private individual," JCInsp. Lito Lam-Osem, the jail warden, said.
For the inmates, creating these parols offers more than just work; it eases their homesickness.
"Malaking tulong dito sa amin dahil naiipon namin mga iniipon nilang sweldo. Nakakatulong din sa aming mga pamilya sa labas at saka nakakaalis din ng stress [sa] pagkamiss sa kanila," an inmate said.
As Christmas approaches, the demand for parols is expected to rise, providing essential support for inmates and their families.
"Talagang malaking bagay yan kasi at least malaking tulong yan sa ating mga nasa loob ng piitan," Lam-Osem said.