‘Kariton ng Bagong Buhay at Pag-asa’ brings hope to ex-prisoners

Judge Maria Sophia Solidum-Taylor, presiding judge of Manila Regional Trial Court 31 (left) turns over a food cart to ex-Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Jessie Morales (right) at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory on April 2, 2024 as part of an aftercare livelihood program for former PDLs.

MANILA, Philippines — Jessie Morales did not know where to go. As a former inmate at the Manila City Jail — Male Dormitory (MCJMD), he knew his chances of getting a job were slim, if not completely non-existent. 

Such is the effect of stigma on ex-Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).

“When I got out, I was wondering where I would get money to support my family. Life is really hard these days,” Jessie said in Filipino. 

He was incarcerated for six months and was released in February this year. But just a month after, his home burned down, forcing him and his family to seek shelter in a barangay hall. 

That’s why Jessie was not able to hold his tears back when speaking in front of other PDLs in MCJMD on Tuesday as he received a food cart filled with around P12,000 to P15,000 worth of goods to help him start out on his new life.

“I am very happy. Now I have a livelihood to help me fulfill my responsibilities to my wife and children,” he said.

The turnover of the food cart was part of “Kariton ng Bagong Buhay at Pag-asa” aftercare livelihood program initiated by Judge Maria Solidum-Taylor, the presiding judge of Manila Regional Trial Court 31, to provide support to PDLs with drug-related cases under her jurisdiction. 

Under the livelihood program, PDLs who were afforded a plea bargain are eligible to receive their own carts and sell food, provided that they will meet the terms of the program’s deed of donation. 

If they fail to meet the terms, which includes testing positive during a random drug test, the carts will be taken away from them. 

MCJMD warden Jail Superintendent Lino Soriano told the media that so far, three PDLs have received food carts, including Jessie. 

“Alex” and “Christian,” also former PDLs, have received their food carts prior to Jessie. Alex’s cart is stationed in Quiapo, while Christian’s is at Ugbo street in Tondo. 

“Currently, there are 11 carts (built). Our initial target (for these) is 20,” Soriano explained. 

Breaking the cycle

MCJMD’s Community Relations Chief, JO2 Elmer Jacobe, told Inquirer.net at the sidelines of the program’s launching that the “Kariton ng Bagong Buhay at Pag-asa” seeks to “break the cycle” of ex-PDLs who find themselves back inside their jail cells after failing to find jobs upon their release. 

“A lot of them can’t find jobs, so instead of changing their ways, they just go back (here). Why don’t we break the cycle? Give them the chance to empower themselves,” Jacobe said. 

 “If we were able to help just one PDL, we’re basically giving hope to all of them. Hope is very important to them. We need to keep the hope burning for our PDLs,” Judge Solidum-Taylor told the media at the sidelines of the program’s launching ceremony. 

She also appealed to the national government to institutionalize the livelihood initiative so more PDLs with drug-related cases would be able to earn legitimately when they reintegrate into society. 

The donation of food carts, however, is not the only livelihood program at the MCJMD.

Another program, called “Padyak para sa Pagbabago,” allows ex-PDLs to rent bicycles and sell pastries baked by PDLs at Panaderia de Manila.

“These people, just like us, are flawed. But if you give them a chance and give them hope, they will change,” the judge continued.