DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Pasalubong Center is eyeing to provide a portion of its space as a marketing center of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
In a proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the City Government and the BJMP, a 3×2 meter stall at the Pasalubong Center will be allowed for use and/or lease.
The said MOA aims to provide a space inside the Pasalubong Center in order for the BJMP to sell the various products out of domestic materials made by the female inmates of the BJMP as a means of livelihood.
Based on recent data, about 83% of the population of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the BJMP in Davao Region are involved in livelihood programs.
According to BJMP-XI, as of the first week of August, there are 4,992 PDLs throughout the 11 cities, municipalities, and district jails under the BJMP Davao Region.
In the MOA, the Pasalubong Center allocation of 3×2 meter stall shall be free of charge except for the light and water consumption. For the electricity consumption, the BJMP shall pay P400 per month.
The BJMP helps PDLs sell products as a form of livelihood support especially in cases that both parents are inside the jail.
“There are instances that both parents would be sent to jail so their children will have no constant support. With these livelihood programs, they can continue to provide for their children’s needs despite being the jail,” said Jail Insp. Ellen Rose Saragena, BJMP XI chief community relations service in a previous interview. (davaotoday.com)
