Project ARTE leads the way in rehabilitating women PDLs
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Project Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce (Project ARTE) is redefining rehabilitation by equipping persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with essential skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
This flagship initiative brings together the DOJ, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), and recently, the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran or SPARK Philippines, to empower women PDLs with tools to achieve economic independence and restore their sense of purpose.
DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who leads this initiative, emphasized the program’s deeper purpose: “This program is not just about teaching skills or providing livelihood—it’s about giving women PDLs a second chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. Rehabilitation starts with empowerment, and Project ARTE is our way of investing in their future.”
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The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOJ and SPARK Philippines outlines the partners’ responsibilities. The DOJ is tasked with policy formulation and program implementation, while BuCor and CIW will facilitate the selection of qualified PDLs and identify correctional facilities for the project. SPARK Philippines, supported by advocates like bag designer Zarah Juan, plays a pivotal role in linking PDLs’ outputs to wider markets.
Article continues after this advertisementJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla praised the program, highlighting its alignment with the government’s broader corrections reform agenda. “Over the past years, our Bagong Pilipinas government has made significant strides in laying out the roadmap in shaping the country’s corrections system to attain meaningful and long-lasting change and the progress we have right now can speak for itself. However, our mission is far from over, so much work has yet to be done so I call on everyone for their continuous support especially to our women PDLs,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementSupported by DOJ Undersecretary-in-Charge for the Corrections Cluster Deo L. Marco and BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., Project ARTE exemplifies how corrections reform can foster creativity, skills development, and economic empowerment.
Project ARTE is just one of several initiatives led by Undersecretary Gutierrez to enhance rehabilitation efforts for PDLs. By focusing on creativity, skills, and empowerment, the program reflects the DOJ’s commitment to building a more compassionate and transformative corrections system—paving the way for brighter futures, even behind bars.