BJMP calls on public support for rehabilitation of inmates

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 15 (PIA6) – Family and community support are needed for the development and rehabilitation of inmates.

Roxas City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Warden Jairus Anthony Dogelio emphasized that the family and the people in the community should be ready to help and provide assistance to the inmates for them to become better and more productive citizens.

“Those who are in jail could have done wrong only because of some circumstances that are beyond their control,” he said.

He also appealed to the public to provide support and understanding instead of discriminating and making them outcasts of society.

“As part of empowering and building up of the inmate’s self-confidence, we are now calling them as “residents”, he said, adding that they are also renaming the Cell Numbers into Barangays.

Dogelio said that for the 134 inmates in said jail, of whom 128 are males and six are females, they are initiating several programs to change the residents to become better and more productive individuals while under the government’s custody.

He revealed that some of the residents are into livelihood activities such as the hollow blocks and candle making as well as woodcraft and handicraft making to augment their family income.

“As part of our livelihood program for them, we have already conceptualize the paper bag making which is also in support to the Roxas City’s No Plastic Days ordinance” he said.

Dogelio also revealed that during the recent registration of voters, a total of 68 detainees were initiated to be registered with the Commission on Election.

He said that the provision of paralegal services, , recreation and physical fitness activities, skills training and knowledge and updated information through its “Bantay Ko, Guro Ko” Alternative Learning System, aside from the livelihood program, the inmates are given hope and importance as we continue to give value and dignity to their lives while in jail.

Dogelio said that because of the new programs in the correction system which is a social responsibility to prepare the inmates for mainstreaming in the community, they have widen their insights and capacity to become useful and productive citizen as they look forward to be back to their respective families.

On the other hand, he is hopeful that the fencing of the additional 1,000-square meter lot donated by former Roxas City Health Office head Dr. Evelyn Sicad will provide more space to the inmates for their livelihood, training and therapeutic activities.

Dogelio said that have already made a request for funds to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, through Capiz 1st District Congressman Antonio Del Rosario, for the fencing of said additional lot for the BJMP in San Jose, Roxas City. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)