Manila court gives former drug offenders livelihood packages

Giving a helping hand as they seek a fresh start in life outside of prison, a Manila court has provided former drug offenders with food carts as business ventures for their reintegration in society.

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC)-Branch 31 picks up the tab to build these business startups, from the food stocks, the cart structure, up to the accessories.

Among the criteria for beneficiaries of the initiative: negative drug test results.

Judge Maria Sophia Tirol Solidum Taylor of Manila RTC-Branch 31 has been funding the project with the support and donations of relatives and friends, according to a 24 Oras report Tuesday by Bernadette Reyes.

Taylor expressed belief that reforming a former drug convict takes more than just time inside a corrections facility.

"Hindi talaga enough ang counselling, hindi enough na ilagay mo sa in-house rehabilitation center. Kailangan you have, kailangang holistic... Kung 'yan ay poorest of the poor, kailangan bigyan mo ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay by providing the livelihood," she said.

(Counseling is not enough. Neither is putting them inside a house rehabilitation center. You have to be holistic... If they are among the poorest of the poor, you have to give them opportunities to reform by providing livelihood.)

Eight former drug offenders are already part of the initiative.

One of them said pursuing his own food cart business not only puts money into his pocket every month, but it has helped him stay on the righteous path after spending time in jail for charges of illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

"Mahirap po kasi nandiyan po lagi 'yung tukso... Malaking tulong po siya kasi lalo sa nilalagyan kong puwesto sa Quiapo, malaking tulong sa pamilya ko po siya," he said.

(It's hard because temptations are always there... Having this livelihood, especially at my location in Quiapo, is a big help to my family.)

Retired Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta expressed support for the program, saying it would go a long way in keeping drug offenders away from negative influences.

"All jails were packed with a lot of drug violators... Magandang programa 'yan... Magkaroon sila ng livelihood, hindi na sila pupunta doon sa mga barkada nila na involved sa drugs," Peralta said.

(All jails were packed with a lot of drug violators... This is a good program... Drug convicts will have their own livelihoods, they won't go back to their friends who were involved in drugs.)

Peralta added, "'Di naman kaya lahat ng government agencies to take care of all these problems eh. So it's good that we involve 'yung private sector."

(Government agencies cannot take care of all these problems. So it's good that we involve the private sector.)

Taylor is already looking to expand her initiative by providing other equipment for other types of livelihood, such as welding machines and cutters.

"Ang prayer po namin na ang adbokasiyang ito ay kumalat po," she added.

(Our prayer is that others will be inspired to follow this advocacy.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News