The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) welcomed the Ireland Embassy, led by Ambassador Emma Hickey, on 12 February 2025, for a cultural exchange and community engagement activity in celebration of St. Brigid’s Day. The event aimed to strengthen international collaboration and highlight the role of arts and culture in rehabilitation.
The program was graced by the presence of the DOJ Undersecretaries DEO L MARCO and MARGARITA N GUTIERREZ, alongside Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) DIRECTOR GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, CT/SUPT MARJORIE ANN P SANIDAD, MD, RN, FIAMS, Ms. MIKAELA LUISA TEVES of Spark Philippines, and other CIW key officers and personnel.
Representatives from the Ireland Embassy highlighted the significance of St. Brigid’s Day and expressed appreciation for the collaboration. This was followed by a cultural dance workshop, where Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) showcased their talents while learning traditional Irish dance steps.
Further, guests were then given a guided tour of CIW’s reformation facilities, including the bakeshop, classrooms, and livelihood shop, where they observed the skills development programs available to PDLs.
The visit concluded on a hopeful note, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange in fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Through this collaboration, the Ireland Embassy and CIW highlighted how arts and rehabilitation programs can create meaningful opportunities for PDLs, paving the way for personal growth and reintegration into society.
CIW-PIO
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