BJMP-Kalinga: PDLs turn skills into ₱40K in product sales during first quarter of 2026

FEATURE

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Behind the walls of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Kalinga, hands that once had little to do with earning a living are now busy creating products that are finding their way into the community.

For the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who make them, every handicraft and livelihood product is more than something to sell.

It is a skill to learn, an opportunity to earn and, perhaps most importantly, a preparation for the day they return to their families and communities.

For the first quarter of the year, products made by PDLs at the BJMP-Kalinga facility generated around ₱40,000 in sales, according to Acting Jail Warden Jail Inspector (JINS) Rolando Diwas.

“Nasa P40,000 na ang aming sales para ating mga products. Lahat ng products nagagawa dito sa loob,” Diwas said in an interview on September 10, 2026.

The products are sold through the BJMP-Kalinga display center and partner establishments, including pasalubong centers, schools and other businesses.

Some customers also purchase directly from the display center inside the jail facility.

For Diwas, the sales are important—but the value of the program goes beyond the amount collected.

The livelihood activities give PDLs the opportunity to practice and develop skills that they can eventually use to earn a living outside the facility.

“Paglabas ng mga PDL natin, pwede na nilang gamitin itong mga skills para mag-start ng business,” he said.

Skills that can become a second chance

Inside the facility, PDLs are directly involved in producing the handicrafts and other items.

Their work allows them to earn from their skills while also gaining practical experience in production and livelihood.

The products are marketed through the BJMP-Kalinga display center and partner establishments under arrangements that help bring the PDL-made products to a wider market.

Diwas explained that some partner establishments operate through consignment, with sales reported to the jail’s designated focal person.

Partner stores may add a margin to the selling price, while BJMP collects the agreed price of the products.

Part of the proceeds benefits the PDLs involved in production, while funds generated through the Welfare and Development Program are retained for the purchase of additional raw materials.

“May porsyento na naibibigay sa mga partner stores para at least nare-retain yung fund for another purchase of raw materials,” Diwas said.

The arrangement allows the livelihood activity to continue—turning finished products into resources for making more products.

More than ₱40,000

The ₱40,000 in sales represents more than revenue from handicrafts.

It represents hours of work, skills learned and opportunities created inside a correctional facility.

For PDLs, livelihood programs can provide a constructive activity while helping them develop capabilities that may be useful when they regain their freedom.

Diwas emphasized that BJMP personnel are there to help and support PDLs through skills training and livelihood activities.

“We help and support them for their skills training and livelihood,” he said.

He also reminded the community that the success of the program depends partly on people being willing to support products made by PDLs.

The BJMP-Kalinga encourages iKalingas to visit its display center and consider purchasing the products made inside the facility.

“We encourage din naman our kailyans nga umay da i-check ditoy mismo display center tayo ti products,” Diwas said.

A livelihood beyond the jail walls

The ultimate goal is not simply to increase sales.

It is to give PDLs something they can take with them when they leave the facility.

The skills they develop—from making products to understanding the value of their work—can become a starting point for livelihood or entrepreneurship after release.

“Paglabas ng mga PDL natin, pwede na nilang gamitin itong mga skills para mag-start ng business,” Diwas said.

In this way, each product carries a story beyond its price tag.

It tells the story of a person learning, working and preparing for another opportunity.

And as the ₱40,000 in sales continues to grow, so does the possibility that the skills developed inside the jail could eventually become a source of livelihood outside its walls.

For BJMP-Kalinga, the livelihood program is part of rehabilitation—not simply keeping PDLs occupied, but helping them build something they can use when they are given the chance to begin again.