Bontoc, Mt. Province - The Mt. Province District Jail (MPDJ) in Bontoc stood out among all jail facilities in Cordillera after being named “Best District Jail of the Year” in the region for the year 2025.
The award was announced during the recently concluded 34th BJMP-CAR Regional Anniversary Celebration held in Baguio City.
Based on gathered information, the evaluation prior to the award looked at management, orderliness, and innovative programs that improve the lives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Thus, to be able to receive the recognition is not just about keeping a jail secure but also about how a jail facility has gone beyond its mandate by reshaping what a correctional facility should be, which the MPDJ met.
In his interview with the Philippine Information Agency-CAR, MPDJ Jail Warden JSINSP John S. Melecio shared that they earned high marks particularly for their “One Jail, One Product” program.
Under the program, said Melecio, MPDJ inmates produced indigenous products such as tambu and solibao, craft frames and clocks, and even engaged in mug and t-shirt printing.
These creative livelihood projects not only showcase skills but also provide much-needed income for the PDLs and for their families while behind bars.
“We are concentrating on giving livelihood activities to the PDLs so that while they are here inside the facility, they are earning for their families. I think that is one of the reasons why we received the award,” Melecio was quoted saying.
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