Behind bars, a chance to rebuild: KINWA–Etnika trains Kalinga PDLs for life after jail

FEATURE

“...tapnu ma-train ken maikkan met ti skill dagitoy PDLs tayo ket nu rumwar da, at least adda ti usaren dan to nu agbiruk da ti trabaho,” — KINWA–Etnika owner Florence Ao-wat

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Being deprived of liberty does not mean being deprived of the chance to change. For Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Kalinga District Jail, a skills-training activity offered during Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month provided an opportunity to learn, develop new abilities, and prepare for a more productive life after detention.

The Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association (KINWA)–Etnika conducted a free one-day accessory-making workshop for PDLs at the BJMP Kalinga District Jail in Bulanao on August 12, 2026, giving participants practical skills that they may eventually use to find employment or start a livelihood when they return to their families and communities.

The training was requested by the BJMP Kalinga District Jail through Acting Jail Warden Rolando Diwas and facilitated by KINWA–Etnika, led by owner Florence Amily Ao-wat. It supports Project GANGSA — Guiding Ancestral Nurturing toward Growth, Strength, and Awareness, a culturally responsive rehabilitation program for Indigenous PDLs in the Cordillera implemented across BJMP-CAR jail units in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR.

Ao-wat said the activity was designed not only to teach PDLs how to make accessories but also to give them skills they can use when they are released and begin looking for work or livelihood opportunities.

“Request ti BJMP daytoy in celebration of the IP month celebration tapnu ma-train ken maikkan met ti skill dagitoy PDLs tayo ket nu rumwar da, at least adda ti usaren dan to nu agbiruk da ti trabaho. Daytoy ket accessory making ket amin nga materials met nga mausar ket provided by KINWA Etnika met ketdi so kalsa free daytoy nga training,” she said.

All materials needed for the workshop were provided by KINWA–Etnika, allowing the PDLs to participate in the training free of charge.

Ao-wat said KINWA–Etnika, together with other organizations, has previously conducted activities at the jail involving cultural dancing, music, handicrafts, and other practical skills. She added that the organization remains open to conducting additional training whenever requested by BJMP, subject to its schedule.

The activity initially targeted at least 11 women PDLs, but because there were fewer female PDLs at the facility, other PDLs were also allowed to participate. Seven women ultimately joined the training, along with male PDLs who also took part.

“Bale women PDLs kuma ti target—at least 11 da kuma ngem gapo ta kurang ti babae nga PDLs tayo ket adda dagitoy lalake nga inmay, bale 7 da lang gamin nga babae tatta,” she said.

For KINWA–Etnika, the training represents more than an opportunity to learn accessory-making. It gives PDLs a chance to discover their abilities, build confidence, and acquire practical skills that could help them earn a living when they return to society.

The initiative also reflects BJMP's continuing efforts to make rehabilitation meaningful by preparing PDLs not only for release, but for reintegration, livelihood, and a fresh start.

Through the partnership between BJMP Kalinga District Jail and KINWA–Etnika, the IP Month celebration became an opportunity to promote Indigenous culture while reminding PDLs that a mistake or a period of detention does not have to define the rest of their lives. With skills, guidance, and support, they can have another chance to work, provide for their families, and become productive members of their communities.