The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) MIMAROPA has launched the "Kalinga sa Anak ng PDL" program to support families of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) while they remain behind bars.

The initiative aims to strengthen family ties despite the physical barriers of jails.

BJMP MIMAROPA Regional Director, Jail Senior Superintendent Clarence Mayangao, highlighted the program’s role in promoting restorative justice.

"Batid namin ang kahirapan ng mga pamilya dahil sa pagkakapiit ng mga haligi at ilaw ng tahanan. Gayon din ang pagnanais ng mga PDLs na patuloy na matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga naiwang pamilya," Mayangao said.

"Kaya magbibigay daan tayo upang maihatid ang kanilang pagmamahal at mabigyan din ng pagkakataon [na matulungan] lalong lalo na yung mga nahihirapan," he added.

Through this program, the BJMP aims to address the emotional and financial struggles of PDL families while fostering hope and support within the jail community.

"The usual social services na kaya gawin ng ating mga jail units sa field ay home visitation at pagbibigay ng grocery items or in-kind donations gaya ng bag, tsinelas at gamit eskwela," Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, BJMP MIMAROPA Information Officer, said.

"Meron din po sa pagbasa at matematika wherein yung ating mga jail personnel ay nag-tutor sa mga bata at naghahatid sa paaralan," he added.

Anglo said they act as a bridge to extend the 'Kalinga' (care) of a father or mother to their children who have been separated due to incarceration.

"To make them feel that they're in good hands with the BJMP at para maalis natin yung stigma that surrounds persons deprived of liberty," he said.

According to Anglo, their office is committed to creating a safer society, despite the challenges the country is facing currently.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)