Iloilo city: The city government has enhanced its rehabilitation programs for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) by expanding the Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood Development Activity (SELDA). This initiative aims to provide PDLs with the necessary skills to secure a livelihood after reintegration into society.

According to Philippines News Agency, the expanded program, in collaboration with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), now includes National Certificate (NC) programs. Previously, the training focused on pantry, reflexology, and cosmetology. The initiative was officially launched with the signing of an activity proposal on Monday.

TIIC administrator Mathilde Tre±as emphasized the importance of broadening training beyond food-related activities to include various skills through NC programs. This expansion is also in anticipation of the BJMP facilities' transfer from the congested locations in Ungka, Jaro District Jail for male PDLs, and the Gen. Luna female dormitory, to a more spacious site in the Municipality of Leganes.

Tre±as noted that the current congestion limits the training program. The new facility will offer around 20 NC II and non-NC II courses. The program also involves the Department of Trade and Industry for bookkeeping and financial literacy, and private partners such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo chapter, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., and Philippine Foremost Milling Corp. for equipment and baking inputs.

Since starting in 2023, the project has trained 136 PDLs, with training sessions scheduled for May and June this year. The signing ceremony also featured the turnover of recipe books developed by program graduates, compiling 34 bread and pastries and five food preserve recipes.

The proposal signing was attended by BJMP Superintendent Jhon Montero and Mayor Raisa Tre±as.