A group of inmates at the Puerto Princesa City Jail Male Dormitory in Palawan has turned to performing arts as a way to express themselves and find hope behind bars.

Through "Tinig ng Pagbabago – An Exhibition of Artistic Skills and Talent Through Speech Choir," the inmates channel their emotions into performances that help them cope with life in detention.

The activity will be held in line with the International Day of Prevention of Violent Extremism and Terrorism. It aims to highlight the role of art in promoting peace and rehabilitation among inmates.

The speech choir will be presented on February 19, 2025, along with the “Voice for Peace – A Sabayang Pagbigkas Competition,” celebrating the 11th ‘Kapehan sa P/CVE.’

Jail Officer 1 Neil Factura, the facility’s skills, sports, and cultural officer, said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) fully supports the initiative. They see it as a positive outlet for the inmates.

“This has been their [means of] expression. It is mentally hard inside the jail but they have managed after finding solace in art. And we believe art could lift our spirits up and help develop our character,” Factura said.

Aside from allowing the inmates to express themselves, the program also encourages more detainees to engage in the arts, keeping them productive as part of their rehabilitation.

Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, BJMP regional information officer, said the agency is committed not just to providing humane conditions but also to helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society.

“As long as you are willing to learn, you will learn a lot while in jail. And immersing them in the arts and recreational activities help them fight the urge of doing illegal activities again,” Anglo said.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)