In a unique initiative blending creativity with legal awareness, the Timog Literary Circle (TLC) recently brought a beacon of hope to the Koronadal City District Jail (KCDJ). The PDL Sulat Project, a one-day outreach event held on October 24, 2025, provided a powerful platform for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to share their personal narratives and dreams through the written word.
A Creative Outlet for the Incarcerated
The project engaged 46 carefully selected PDLs from the jail's total population of 478 inmates. This population includes 20 women, 16 senior citizens, and several individuals who were initially detained as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). The event was strategically split into two parallel sessions to maximize its impact.
One group of 25 participants immersed themselves in a writing workshop led by local literary figures. Jennie P. Arado, the TLC adviser, and Arth Murillo, chairperson of Sigaw Heneral, guided them in mastering the fundamentals of crafting personal essays and poetry. Their lessons focused on channeling profound themes of love, personal loss, and the enduring hope for a better future.
Legal Education and Community Support
Simultaneously, the other 21 PDLs attended a crucial legal education session. This was facilitated by the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) and Student Council Officers from the Notre Dame of Marbel University–College of Law, with Student Council President Joshua Baldeviesco at the helm. This segment empowered participants with knowledge about their rights and the legal system.
The entire activity was coordinated by TLC Chairperson Jessa Mae Magbanua, with support from advisers and members. The project also received significant community backing. Amber Notes supplied essential materials like notebooks, pens, and bond paper, while Tridax Zines donated zines by local writers to serve as inspiration for the participants.
From Jail to Publication: The SOX Zine Fest 2025
The PDL Sulat Project is a cornerstone of the larger SOX Zine Fest 2025, which South Cotabato is hosting this year under the leadership of the Timog Literary Circle. All poems and essays created during the project will be compiled, edited, and published into a special zine.
This unique publication is scheduled for an official launch and sale on November 29, 2025, at the Notre Dame of Marbel University during the SOX Zine Fest. In a meaningful conclusion to the initiative, all proceeds from the zine's sales will be returned directly to the PDL writers, affirming the value of their creative labor.
Jennie P. Arado, TLC adviser, explained the project's core mission: "We wanted this year’s SOX Zine Fest to be memorable. We wanted to hear the voice of South Cotabateños and not just the usual writers we always read. The Sulat PDL Project aims to lend a platform to PDLs whose stories, we believe, are worth sharing to the public but they may not always have the chance to be read."
