BJMP to Honor Livelihood Stakeholders During Anniversary

All non -governmental organizations (NGO) considered as stakeholders on the livelihood program for prisoners of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are scheduled to be received honor during the anniversary celebration of BJMP this coming November 7, 2014.

This was the information relayed on Wednesday to this reporter by J/J02 Ma. Roselle P. Escaño of BJMP7 who at the same time very thankful to some exporting companies who allowed inmates of good jail records to become sub-contractors of their exporting products.

Escaño who failed to provide names of these companies, said both BJMP and the export business managements have mutually agreed to uplift the standing of inmates by having a livelihood while they are inside their cell.

She said some of the fashion accessory items to be exported to other countries are made of local materials and are sub-contracted by the inmates. She also pointed out that machines and other equipment are to be provided by the company to ensure they (inmates) can finish the job within the period given to them.

Some companies believed men in prison can deliver a quality workmanship on any items assigned to them because they can concentrate well while working without any disturbance inside the jail compound.

The BJMP office shall choose who among its prisoners are in good standing inside their cell, who are healthy, and willing to commit to follow all instructions relayed to them, in relation to the style, quality of items and even the deadline on its submission of finish products to the company, Escaño said.

“That’s why some prisoners can give cash to their wife or husband every month from their earnings while inside their cell because they have sideline jobs with the NGOs who provided them materials,” Escaño said.

“There were inmates who even showed to their wives their lists of things they bought for them (wives) or even food they paid and at the same time deducted from their sideline income within a month”, Escaño added.

She also cited that some inmates who enjoyed these benefits are no longer worried about their children’s schooling because they are still able to give cash even if they are in prison.

She said this is the reason why they will highlight during the BJMP celebration, some of the NGOs. It was these NGOs who helped in making corrections to inmates and gave them an avenue to reform, especially when they are released.

“On that day (celebration day) some of the products locally made by our inmates will also be displayed for them to earn from its actual cost,” Escaño said.

But above all , business companies and other BJMP stakeholders will also be given plaques of recognition for their big help in the reformation of life of the BJMP inmates, Escaño said.