DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. visits the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) male dorm in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on Sunday, April 30.
He was treated to the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Iwasan) song and dance rendition of the BJMP personnel and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Abalos inspired the PDLs saying, “’Yang kinakaharap niyo, kaya kayo nandito, matatapos ‘yan, binubuno. Pero ang importante pagkatapos mong bunuin ang sentensya, paglabas natin sa complex na ito, nandoon na bagong tao na, pagsisihan na lahat natin at pinakaimportante bumago na kayo.”
“Walang tao na hindi nadadapa. Ang importante pagkatapos mo madapa, ang pagbangon muli. At ipangako sa sarili niyo alang-alang sa mga pamilya niyo, na paglabas niyo, hindi kayo babalik dito, pangako niyo ‘yan hindi para sa inyo, para sa pamilya niyo,” he added.
He was amazed by the products made by the PDLs such as paintings, handicrafts, souvenirs, bags, clocks, among others, which were displayed at the entrance of the BJMP.
These are part of their livelihood program so they could still earn for their personal upkeep as well as for financial support to their families while undergoing confinement.
For this, he announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will launch a competition for the best painting and best handicraft produced by PDLs in the entire country.
Winners for both categories will receive P500,000 for the first prize, P300,000 for the second prize, and P200,000 for the third prize coming from the Secretary.
Prior to the jail visit, Secretary Abalos led the BIDA fun run participated by over 12,000 runners from various sectors.
The fun run is one of the strategies of the government in raising awareness and encouraging the community’s participation in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The BIDA fun run was held previously at the Greenfield City in Brgy. Don Jose in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on March 12; Clark Development Corporation Parade Grounds at the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga on March 5; and at SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on February 26.
