DOLE Pampanga Distributes P300,000 in Livelihood Aid to Inmates at Angeles City Jail
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Pampanga has launched a significant initiative to support rehabilitation efforts by extending livelihood assistance to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) housed at the Angeles City District Jail. In a recent distribution event, a total of 52 inmates received essential tools, materials, and comprehensive starter kits for various income-generating projects, with the total assistance valued at an impressive P300,000.
Program Aims to Foster Skills Development and Future Earnings
According to DOLE officials, this program is strategically designed to bolster rehabilitation and skills development among inmates. The agency emphasized that the primary goal is to equip PDLs with practical, hands-on skills that can enable them to earn a sustainable income while serving their sentences and, crucially, upon their eventual reintegration into society. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses immediate needs but also lays a foundation for long-term self-sufficiency and reduced recidivism rates.
Diverse Livelihood Projects and Training Provided
The livelihood assistance encompasses a wide array of projects tailored to diverse interests and market demands. Beneficiaries are engaged in the production of eco-bags, basket weaving, rug and pot holder making, garment sewing, wood and bamboo crafts, as well as bread and pastry production. To ensure quality and market readiness, the inmates also underwent specialized training on proper production techniques. This training empowers them to create high-quality goods that can be competitively sold in nearby communities, thereby generating real economic opportunities.
Officials Lead Distribution and Express Strong Support
The distribution of the assistance was spearheaded by DOLE Pampanga Head May Lynn C. Gozun, alongside dedicated DOLE personnel who facilitated the entire program. Officials from the Angeles City District Jail have voiced their robust support for this initiative, highlighting its role in promoting effective rehabilitation and providing tangible opportunities for inmates to rebuild their lives. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to fostering positive change within the correctional system and enhancing community reintegration prospects.
