San Juan City Women PDLs Explore Innovations in Textiles

The Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) and the DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) are bringing new hope through Science, Technology, and Innovation to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) San Juan City Jail-Female Dormitory.  

Women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) of the San Juan City Jail-Female Dormitory received 20 units of Tapestry Loom Weaving machine during a Turnover Ceremony on 20 August 2024 as part of the DOST-NCR and DOST-PTRI-led project aimed at providing Philippine textile technology-based opportunities in NCR.   

Gracing the Turnover Ceremony were Lone District of San Juan City Congresswoman Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Vice Mayor Jose Angelo E. Agcaoili, BJMP San Juan City Jail Female Dormitory Acting Warden JINSP Teresita T. Serrano, Acting Warden of the BJMP San Juan City Jail Male Dormitory JSINSP Ronnie Padua, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles, and DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leano, Jr.  

Technical personnel from DOST-PTRI also conducted a skills training on “Tapestry Loom Weaving” for the women PDLs.  Master Weaver Ms. Josefa Garlito of DOST-PTRI mentioned that the purpose of the training is to teach, train, and enhance the creativity of the women PDLs and jail officers to enable them to use modern weaving techniques in creating products such as tapestries, curtains, and pillowcases out of intricately designed fabrics.   

Anchored on DOST-NCR’s campaign to bring Science Beyond Borders, this initiative will bring new hope for our women PDLs by providing them with better options and opportunities in seeking employment after serving their time.   

By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU