DOST-NCR Capacitates PDLs’ thru S&T

The Department of Science and Technology-NCR is giving hope to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) that they can be productive members of their communities after leaving the country’s penitentiaries through the help of science, technology, and innovation.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-NCR and DOST-NCR have partnered in a project that aims to provide PDLs with livelihood skills training while serving their time in the BJMP facilities to help prepare them for their reintegration into society. The livelihood program also provides a source of income for the PDLs which they can use for their personal expenses or to support their families.

The collaborative project includes the provision of needed equipment, technical consultancy for food safety compliance, and skills training on bread and pastry production in Caloocan City Jail and Las Piňas City Jail, and woodworking and furniture making in San Juan City Jail.

Last January 8, 2024, additional equipment for the project were turned over to the BJMP-NCR. The event was attended by DOST-NCR and BJMP-NCR personnel led by DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles and the Regional Director of the Jail Bureau of the BJMPRO-NCR JCSupt. Clint Russel A. Tanceres, CESE.

The new sets of equipment is a boost, not only to the program itself, but also to the morale of the PDLs in knowing that despite living within walls, they are not forgotten nor has society given up hope on their potential to be productive individuals when the time comes for them to reintegrate in their respective communities.

By: Pinky Marcelo, SCCU