In line with its ongoing commitment to the reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Blue and Red Ribbon Project (BBRRP), the Bureau, through its Directorate for External Relations and Reintegration Services (DERRS), headed by CT/SUPT NOEL M MARQUEZ, DVM, DPA, convened a collaborative meeting with the Laya Creative Hub and Saddleback Church to explore partnership opportunities that will support livelihood, spiritual growth, and holistic reintegration of released PDLs into society.
Among the attendees are CT/INSP STELLA MAY C LAT, Deputy Director, DERRS, and DERRS personnel; MS. ROSA JAVIER, Founder, Laya Creative Hub; PASTOR JONATHAN CAIPANG, PASTOR MIKE AYALA, and PASTOR GRACE VILLAMIN of the Saddleback Church Philippines, Inc.; CSSUPT MARITES L EBARDO, Deputy Superintendent, Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) Mandaluyong and CO2 Clarisse U Dela Cruz, Chief, CIW Mandaluyong External Affairs Section (EAS); CINSP MAXIMO F VALLEJO, Chief, New Bilibid Prison External Affairs Section (NBP – EAS) and staff; and CSO1 Ailene K Ramos from the Strategic Communications Office (SCO).
A presentation from the Laya Creative Hub was delivered by MS. JAVIER, outlining their various programs that empower PDLs, such as the Embroidery Program and Macrame Program, which are facilitated in Pasig City Jail, Makati City Jail, and Manila City Jail. MS. JAVIER expressed her hope to extend these programs, along with other creative livelihood initiatives of the Laya Creative Hub, to PDLs currently safekept at the CIW. She also mentioned that once the partnership pushes through, she is willing to provide DERRS and EAS with connections to artists, designers, and other collaborators within her network who can contribute to the reintegration of PDLs.
Following this was the presentation of PASTOR JONATHAN on the Prison Ministry Programs of the Saddleback Church Philippines, Inc. He specifically highlighted the God Behind Bars (GBB) – an ongoing program in the United States where churches and community organizations work together to bring dynamic worship experiences, recovery programs, family reunifications, and pre- and post-release care into prisons worldwide. During his presentation, he discussed the phases, strategies, and family reunification components of the program that help transform the lives of PDL and their families.
Subsequently, an Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) of the BBRRP was shown, followed by a brief wrap-up by CO1 Lea Dama-on, who reiterated the key goals of the project. The floor was then opened for discussions, clarifications, and queries regarding the BBRRP and the possible scope of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which were addressed by CO1 Mila Rosa Facunla.
The meeting concluded with the closing remarks of CT/INSP LAT, who expressed gratitude for the presence and valuable insights of the guests and encouraged continued collaboration in paving the way for a future where hope, inclusion, and second chances define the journey of every person rejoining society.
This undertaking underscores the steadfast commitment of the Bureau to advancing collaborative efforts that promote the effective reintegration of released PDLs into society, guided by the leadership of Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH.
Ms. Michelle Angela N. Andrada
Contributor
#BAGONGBUCOR#bagongpilipinas
