HANDICRAFTS SUCH as bags and coin banks as well as paintings made by inmates — or persons deprived of liberty (PDL), for the more appropriate term — will be displayed and up for sale during a three-day bazaar at the SM City Davao on Aug. 2 to 4. Jail Inspector Helen Rose C. Saragena said the goods are from the 11 jail facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP) in the Davao Region. “We conceptualized programs and livelihood opportunities in preparation for their integration in society by equipping them with new sources of income,” she said during the Kapihan sa Davao forum earlier this week. The BJMP has partnered with the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the training and starter kits. Among the courses offered by TESDA are bookkeeping, touch therapy, bread making, and carpentry. Ms. Saragena also encouraged the public to visit their facilities, where they have more products that they can’t bring to a bazaar. “Like the poultry products,” she said, “Kung bibisita kayo sa jail, madi-discover ninyo na maraming talented na (if you come visit the jail, you will discover that we have many talented) PDLs.” — Maya M. Padillo

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