PDLs Sell Cement Flower Vases from an Old Rag, Used Towels

Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in this city are now earning at least P15,000 in a week out from making decorative cement flower vases using used towels or old rags.

BJMP–Cauayan City District Jail Warden Romeo Villante said the cost of the cement flower vases ranges from P25 to P2, 500 per piece depending on the size.

“Our Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) earn at least P15,000 a week selling decorative flower vases and most of their customers are from San Mateo town,” Villante said. San Mateo is also a town in Isabela province.

Villante said they support the income-generating projects of PDLs for them not only to earn while inside the jail facility but also to keep them busy while they are away from their love ones.

He said of the total income derived by the PDLs from flower vase making, 40 percent are given to the PDLs who have no relatives visiting them as financial help to them, 50 percent is for the daily allowances of PDLs in the jail facility, while 10 percent is voluntarily given to BJMP-Cauayan City management.

In previous months, the PDLs also sold Christmas decorations out of used tires and other recyclable materials. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)