Photo shows First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in a blue dress observing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in blue and orange shirts during a painting session at the Medium Security Camp of New Bilibid Prison, with Bureau of Corrections officials present.
Program overview
Highlighting the importance of art, compassion and meaningful opportunities for the reformation of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in preparation for their eventual reintegration to society, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos spearheaded Tuesday an outreach program providing livelihood, medical services and para-legal assistance to PDLs.
The program, under the theme Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan, was conducted at the Medium Security Camp of New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City featuring painting lessons, derma medical and wellness mission, as well as para-legal assistance to PDLs by volunteer lawyers under the Department of Justice's action center.
Messages of hope and reform
"To all our PDLs who are here today, always remember, always try to learn something new so you'll discover what you're capable of," the First Lady said.
"And most important, don't lose hope. Hindi po natin mababago ang kahapon, pero marami pa tayong maaaring gawin para sa bukas. Huwag po natin kalimutan, mahirap man ang daan, dapat sama-sama tayo. Sama-sama tayong babangon, sama-sama tayong uusad."
In welcoming the First Lady, Bureau of Corrections Chief Dir. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. expressed his appreciation for her personal involvement and continued support to BuCor's initiatives.
"To promote human dignity, access to justice, health care, and rehabilitation. You are indeed an inspiration to all of us," Catapang said.
"Your presence inspires us to pursue a correctional system that is not merely to secure or discipline the PDLs, but also to provide a humane, responsive, and committed genuine transformation."
The BuCor believes, he said, that "every life transformed is a family given renewed hope, a community made stronger, and a nation given another productive citizen." | PND
Support and results
The First Lady extended gratitude to more than 200 lawyers who provided free legal services to the PDLs, volunteer nurses and doctors, and renowned artists who offered painting lessons.
Approximately 1,800 PDLs benefitted from Tuesday's event at the NBP.
The First Lady said she was happy for the release of at least 43 inmates in time for Tuesday's event, hoping that many others will be freed in the coming days.
She expressed gratitude to donors and partners who provided livelihood assistance such as skills training from TESDA, motorcycles from a hailing company, and cash assistance from an investment company.
Related
- →First Lady Liza Marcos Brings Art, Medical Care and Hope for Second Chances to New Bilibid Prison
- →PBBM orders free legal assistance for PDLs eligible for release
- →President Marcos, First Lady grace Presidential Photojournalists Association's photo exhibit at Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall