First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos hands painting materials to persons deprived of liberty at the New Bilibid Prison Medium Security Camp in Muntinlupa City.
Article
Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) received painting materials to help them spend their time productively under the Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan program spearheaded by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday.
“Paint not to earn money, but to express what is in your heart and soul,” said one of the painting tutors at a painting activity for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) organized by the First Lady at the NBP in Muntinlupa City.
“When you paint with your heart, people will appreciate your work and you will eventually reap the benefits of your sacrifices,” the tutor added.
The First Lady joined painting activities with PDLs at the NBP’s Medium Security Camp through the Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan program, which provides an opportunity for PDLs’ creative expression and meaningful interaction beyond their daily routines.
During the activity, the First Lady was joined by Associate Justice Karl Miranda and Bagong Buhay Group of Artists (BAGA) President Joey De Leon. The event highlighted the role of art in inmate reformation and personal growth and development.
In welcoming the First Lady at the painting session, Justice Miranda described her as “a patron of the arts and the silent champion of PDL reformation.”
“Hindi alam ng nakararami kung ano ang itinulong ng First Lady for PDL reformation,” said Miranda, noting the First Lady came to the NBP without being asked and bringing with her not only a few artists but hundreds of other volunteers or champions for PDLs.
Prominent Chinese painter and Harvard alumnus Liping Zheng whose art career and professional life have been deeply intertwined with the Philippines also joined the First Lady during the event. Liping Zheng has been conducting free art workshops for inmates.
Artists from Amadeo, Cavite, and Cebu also tutored the PDLs during Tuesday’s event.
Aside from painting lessons, the Kulay, Kalinga, Katarungan at Kalayaan program, also featured a dermatological medical and wellness mission, providing healthcare services to PDLs. | PND
Related stories
- →Unang Ginang, naghatid ng pag-asa at kalayaan sa mga PDL sa pamamagitan ng “Same Day Laya” program
- →First Lady’s Bilibid visit brings hope, freedom to inmate through ‘Same Day Laya’ program
- →First Lady spearheads outreach program at New Bilibid Prisons