Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Monday said it has entered into an agreement with a business company for the employment of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as part of efforts to integrate them into society and reduce recidivism among released inmates. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. signed the agreement with BP One Foods Inc., represented by its president, Antonio Sebastian Escalante, for employment opportunities for reformed PDLs. Under the MOA, the BuCor, through the Directorate for External Relations (DER), shall be responsible for the implementation of the Pre-release and Post-release Reintegration Programs for former PDL, which includes securing support from family and community before their release and securing acceptance from family and community after release. The Reintegration Program includes sending referral letters addressed to the government organizations (GO), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSO), and private institutions or sectors, to seek assistance in areas such as employment, livelihood programs, medical support and financial aid for released clients. The program employs a holistic approach to monitoring the overall well-being of released PDLs, including their reintegration into familial and community settings. BP One Foods Inc., on the other hand, aspires to expand its brand throughout Metro Manila and bring quality products to its people while also creating competitive job opportunities and compensation. With this, the company aims to provide job opportunities for reformed PDLs, while also opening a wide range of positions to accommodate more people with diverse skill sets in various locations. 'BP One Foods Inc. is committed to actively supporting the reintegration of the former PDL by providing meaningful employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of providing a supportive work environment that fosters growth and development for the reformed PDL,' Escalante said. Catapang, meanwhile, thanked the company for taking the lead in giving this 'once in a lifetime opportunity' to former PDLs to promote social cohesion, and an opportunity to utilize the skills they learned during their incarceration, which formed part of their reformation. Aside from BP One Foods Inc., Catapang said San Miguel Corporation, headed by Mr. Ramon Ang, also expressed willingness to employ former PDLs who will finish their college degree courses at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES) program. 240 PDLs released Meanwhile, the BuCor released 240 PDLs nationwide Monday, bringing to 6,110 the number of PDLs released since January this year. The BuCor said that of the total, 124 have already served their maximum sentences, 30 were acquitted, 16 were placed under probation, 69 granted paroles, and one was turned over to jail for another pending case. In his message, Catapang encouraged the released PDLs to 'seize this second chance at life with gratitude and responsibility, and e mbrace this fresh start with determination and a commitment to positive change.' 'Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society and let us recognize that everyone deserves a second chance. Let us extend a hand of support to those who are seeking to rebuild their lives,' he added. Source: Philippines News agency
Tuesday, October 22, 2024