Beautiful and colorful “parols” (Christmas lanterns) are perfect for display not just in residents to accentuate the season, but also at schools and other public places.

Christmas lanterns are among decors crafted by at least 40 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) District Jail Male Dormitory in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Province of Iloilo.

The process of designing decorative items and pieces of furniture is complex, according to the PDLs. 

The PDLs sell the Christmas lanterns and other items they produce, and keep the proceeds.

Alias “Nonoy,” a 51-year-old PDL, a native of San Jose, Province of Antique, said he allocates nearly 70 percent of the amount he earns from crafting Christmas lanterns for his family.

Alias “Nonoy” said his earnings are a huge help to sustain the studies of his three children.

"Malaking kontribusyon siguro kasi may time kung minsan na si misis, wala ring pera. So siguro, way (paraan) ito ni God na kung walang wala kami, may maibibigay ako. Ngayong Christmas, ang hiling ko lang, mas mapaganda pa ang aming ginagawa,” alias “Nonoy” said.

Aside from making Christmas lanterns, the PDLs also design pieces of furniture, lampshades, large seals and desk name plates.

Alias “Rey,” a 43-year-old PDL from Barangay Bongco, Pototan, said he is proud that their carpentry skills are being utilized in ways that have benefitted them more.

Aside from sharing his earnings to his family, he is also able to impart his blessings to fellow PDLs.

“Malaki talaga (ang tulong). Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon sa trabaho na ibinigay niya sa amin,” alias “Rey” said.

Producing Christmas lanterns is part of the livelihood program for PDLs.

Aside from being a source of income, the program provides opportunities to PDLs to hone their skills and learn further.

"Isa itong paraan para malibang rin sila. May pasttime sila and at the same time, chance rin nila to reflect sa past experiences nila, ma-rehabilitate and develop sila into better persons,” Jail Chief Insp. Mark Malhabour, warden of the BJMP District Jail Male Dormitory, underscored.