On 15 January 2025, a groundbreaking partnership was formalized as the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) and the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK Philippines) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Project Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce (Project ARTE).
The signing ceremony, marked the launch of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) by equipping them with skills in arts, crafts, and e-commerce. This partnership seeks to foster entrepreneurial and creative development among PDLs, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and societal reintegration.
GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, Director General of the Bureau of Corrections, announced the exciting new partnership, emphasizing its potential for collaborative innovation and mutual success. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful reformation programs for PDLs. It open doors for them to realize their potential and prepare for a better future,” GENERAL CATAPANG stated.
UNDERSECRETARY MARGARITA N GUTIERREZ, who spearheads Project ARTE, delivered remarkable insights during the event, highlighting the program’s objectives. “Our common goal is to empower PDLs to become entrepreneurial, self-reliant, and ready to reintegrate into society. This initiative is a step toward fostering inclusivity and enabling PDLs to contribute positively to their communities,” she shared.
The event was attended by prominent stakeholders, including UNDERSECRETARY DEO L MARCO, MS. MIKAELA LUISA T. TEVES, and MS. MARGOT CATMUNAN, as well as key CIW officials and personnel led by CT/SUPT MARJORIE ANN P SANIDAD, MD, RN, FIAMS, Acting Superintendent of the CIW.
The signing of the MOU signifies a shared commitment to providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in the correctional facility, strengthening their creative and entrepreneurial skills, and promoting self-reliance. By leveraging the expertise of SPARK Philippines and the institutional support of the Bureau of Corrections, Project ARTE aims to create innovative products, establish market linkages, and build a brighter future for PDLs.
CO1 Mavareen Sigcop
CIW Contributor
