Puerto Princesa: The Puerto Princesa City Library has chosen the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Puerto Princesa City Jail Female Dormitory (PPCJFD) as the recipient of its book donations. In a news release on Sunday, BJMP Mimaropa information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said 'the project's goal is to provide learning opportunities for personal development, well-being, and, ultimately, rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).'

According to Philippines News Agency, the donation consisting of 50 volumes of books and 14 volumes of magazines for PDL-learners is part of the city library's observance of the 66th Public Library Day on March 9. The theme for this observance is 'Public Libraries in Action: A Blueprint for an Empowered Community.' City librarian Joymarie Olape mentioned that this initiative also serves as an outreach program for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in partnership with the BJMP-PPCJFD.

Library-in-charge Jail Officer 1 Marielle Viah Abario expressed gratitude for being chosen as recipients. She emphasized the importance of these reading materials for female PDLs, especially those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program. Alias Isang, the dorm coordinator, added that fellow PDLs are encouraged to finish school as many have not received formal education.

In support of the book donation drive, the city librarian also conducted an orientation on book processing and usage. This aims to encourage reading among learners by making it easy for them to find the books they want. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 563, s. 1959, designating March 09 of every year as Public Library Day, the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), in collaboration with all other public libraries, is mandated to sponsor the nationwide celebration of this event and to conduct a public library drive.