‘Change is possible’: iKalinga PDLs embrace hope, new beginnings

FEATURE

“Ang aming nakaraan ay hindi hadlang upang magkaroon kami ng mas magandang kinabukasan… may pagkakataon pa rin kaming magbago, matuto at magsimula muli.”

— PDL representative

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Behind the walls of the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail, where life is marked by confinement and uncertainty, a message of hope resonated during the GANDAng HR Bridges–Project PAG-ASA held at the BJMP-Kalinga Field Office in Bulanao, Tabuk City on September 10.

A representative of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), whose identity was withheld, expressed gratitude to individuals and organizations that continue to provide opportunities, support and encouragement to PDLs, saying these efforts have renewed their hope for change and a fresh start.

The PDL delivered the message during the activity, which brought together government agencies and partner organizations to provide PDLs with opportunities in livelihood, skills development, employment, legal assistance and social support.

“Ang mga mensahe ng pag-asa na aming narinig ay isang paalala na ang aming nakaraan ay hindi hadlang upang magkaroon kami ng mas magandang kinabukasan. Naniniwala kami na may pagkakataon pa rin kaming magbago, matuto at magsimula muli,” the representative said.

The activity formed part of the month-long celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) and was led by the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail under Acting Jail Warden JINS Rolando Diwas.

A total of 30 PDLs participated in the activity and showcased products they made through livelihood and skills-development programs. These included cogon-made baskets and bags, bamboo coffee cups and furniture.

For the PDLs, the presence of government personnel, partner agencies and organizations meant more than material assistance.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa amin ang inyong presensya at suporta. Ipinapakita nito na kami ay hindi nakakalimutan at may mga taong naniniwala na kaya naming magbago,” the representative said.

He thanked BJMP-Kalinga personnel, partner agencies, organizations and individuals who have provided opportunities in education, livelihood, skills training, spiritual activities and other programs aimed at helping PDLs improve themselves.

The representative said these programs provide not only assistance but also hope and motivation to prepare for life beyond incarceration.

“Hindi lang tulong ang inyong binibigay, binibigyan ninyo kami ng pag-asa at inspirasyon upang maging mas mabuting tao. Bilang tugon, sisikapin po namin na pahalagahan ang bawat pagkakataong ibinibigay sa amin,” he said.

He added that the PDLs would use what they have learned to become more responsible, make positive changes and prepare for their eventual return to their families and communities.

The livelihood and skills-development activities also highlight the importance of preparing PDLs for life after incarceration. The products displayed by the participants demonstrated how skills learned inside the facility can potentially become sources of livelihood and productive work in the future.

Toward the end of his message, the PDL representative appealed to his fellow PDLs to choose change, hold on to their faith and use their past experiences as a foundation for becoming better individuals.

“Sa mga kapwa ko PDL, piliin natin ang pagbabago at piliin natin ang ating pananampalataya sa ating Diyos kasi ang Diyos lamang ang makakatulong sa atin.

Kalimutan natin ang ating mga masamang nakaraan… Ang pagbabago ay posible,” he said.

For the PDLs who participated in Project PAG-ASA, the activity served as a reminder that rehabilitation can begin with an opportunity and transformation can begin with a choice.

More importantly, it reinforced their belief that a difficult past does not have to prevent them from building a better future.