Manila: First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos has received a heartfelt gift from Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. during the opening of an art exhibit at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. The First Lady was presented a portrait of the First Family after leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to mark the opening of the Art Exhibit featuring the works of current and former persons deprived of liberty (PDL), according to a Tuesday news release. The BuCor said the portrait was created by Ariel Caviluna, a PDL at the New Bilibid Prison's maximum-security compound. Besides the portrait, Court of Tax Appeals Justice Ivy Fajardo presented Marcos with bags created by PDLs from the Correctional Institution for Women. 'This gesture not only showcased the talent and creativity of Caviluna but also highlighted the rehabilitation efforts and artistic abilities of individuals within the prison system,' Catapang said. 'The presentation of the family portrait to the First Lady was a symbolic gesture of bridging the gap between the free world and the incarcerated individuals. It demonstrated that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from diverse backgrounds.' In response, the First Lady graciously expressed her appreciation by sending boxes of lanzones to the PDLs. 'This act of kindness and generosity not only touched the hearts of the recipients but also reflected the compassion and humanity of the First Lady,' Catapang said. The exhibit, which forms part of the National Correctional Consciousness Week, will run until Jan. 5, 2025. Source: Philippines News Agency