Palawan: Twenty-three Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility successfully completed an eight-day community-based training program on assembling solar night lamps and post lamps, alongside entrepreneurship lectures.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program, which ran from September 1 to 8, was a collaborative effort involving the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Training Center, the Brooke's Point School of Arts and Trade, the local government unit of Brooke's Point, and the local BJMP jail unit.

Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, the BJMP Mimaropa regional information officer, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "We want our PDLs to leave jail not just with time served, but with skills earned." He highlighted how these programs transform idle hours into opportunities, equipping the participants with the necessary tools and confidence to reintegrate into society upon release.

TESDA officials commended the active involvement of the trainees, pointing out that the skills in renewable energy and micro-enterprise training provide viable livelihood opportunities for the PDLs once they regain their freedom.

The BJMP is committed to continuing its partnership with TESDA and local government units throughout Minaropa. The goal is to introduce more community-based livelihood programs within jail facilities, aiming to reduce recidivism and support second-chance opportunities for those incarcerated.