30 iKalinga PDLs find hope, livelihood opportunities through GANDAng HR Bridges–Project PAG-ASA

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Thirty persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail gained new opportunities for livelihood, skills development, legal assistance, and social support through GANDAng HR Bridges–Project PAG-ASA held September 10 at the BJMP-Kalinga Field Office in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

The activity provided the PDLs with support and opportunities aimed at helping them rebuild their lives, develop skills, and prepare for eventual reintegration into their communities.

Led by the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail under Acting Jail Warden JINS Rolando Diwas, the activity formed part of the month-long celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA). It brought together government offices and partner organizations to extend assistance to PDLs and support their rehabilitation.

A highlight of the activity was the display of products made by the 30 PDL beneficiaries, including cogon baskets and bags, bamboo coffee cups, and furniture.

The products showcased the skills acquired by the PDLs through livelihood and rehabilitation initiatives and demonstrated how these skills could provide them with opportunities for productive activities and income generation after their release.

Livelihood support opens opportunities

BJMP-Kalinga JO3 Cristina Nicolas Edduba said the livelihood initiatives for PDLs have been strengthened through assistance from partner agencies, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Social Welfare and Assistance Division (DSWD-SWAD).

In 2024, Edduba said DSWD-SWAD provided ₱1.28 million in funding under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for iKalinga PDLs.

“Nabigyan niyo (DSWD-SWAD) kami ng P1.28M na pondo ng SLP ng ating mga PDL in 2024,” she said.

She explained that some of the products displayed during the September 10 activity were produced through the SLP-Kalinga SWAD, while other products are being sold through pasalubong centers.

Beyond livelihood assistance, Edduba said DSWD-SWAD also provides support to PDLs and their families during difficult circumstances, including burial assistance in cases involving the death of a PDL.

“Also, DSWD-SWAD din ang nilalapitan natin in case nga adda matay nga PDL ay mayron silang mga burial assistance and nangyari yan sa isang taga-Rizal na isang PDL months before,” she said.

She also cited assistance from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), including rice assistance for families who lose a loved one.

For PDLs facing health concerns, Edduba said DSWD-SWAD also provides assistance. Qualified PDL families may likewise be assessed for possible inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), particularly those with children who are currently attending school.

“Pwede din pala ang 4Ps sa inyo at ia-assess namin ang mga PDL nu sinu ti mabalin nga mainayon sa 4Ps. Kailangan metlang nga mainayon kuma dagidiay adda ti annak na nga agdama nga agiskwela,” she said.

Partners help prepare PDLs for life after release

Edduba also recognized the contributions of other partner agencies in creating opportunities for PDLs.

The Department of Labor and Employment-Kalinga (DOLE-Kalinga) has provided various programs and assistance, including a pending ₱800,000 funding request expected within the month, she said.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Kalinga Chapter provides legal support, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Kalinga conducts skills training to help PDLs gain competencies that may be useful for employment or livelihood.

The PLGU-Kalinga has also contributed to improving the jail facility, including the functional hall used for activities and programs for PDLs.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)-Kalinga has extended assistance to PDLs who are solo parents. Edduba said the office recently distributed ₱5,000 each to solo-parent PDLs about two weeks before the activity.

For the current semester, the BJMP-Kalinga is expected to receive slots for 12 solo parents and seven women PDLs under the assistance programs.

Through livelihood assistance, skills training, social protection, legal support, and employment-related opportunities, partner agencies continue to support the rehabilitation of PDLs and help them build skills and resources they can use to support themselves and their families after their release.

The activity also reflected the spirit of the 126th PCSA theme, “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” by highlighting that public service extends to vulnerable sectors and includes providing opportunities for rehabilitation, dignity, and reintegration into the community.