Shaping a new path: PDLs in Romblon learn wood carving

CARVING A NEW PATH. Persons deprived of liberty at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Romblon District Jail learn wood carving in this undated photo. Wood carving is part of a recent skills enhancement program of the BJMP in Romblon province. (BJMP photo)

ROMBLON, Romblon – As part of a recent skills enhancement program, at least 12 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Romblon District Jail are now learning livelihood skills from fellow PDLs who are master carvers.

In a news release on Saturday, BJMP Mimaropa information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said BJMP-RDJ’s wood carving program currently has two tutors.

One of them, ‘alias Dan’ who has spent a negligible part of his life in jail, said “learning to carve has put his life back on track.”

The PDLs work in the activity area and under the direct supervision of jail personnel. The tools used are normally prohibited in the facility, but Anglo said custodial officers keep an inventory of the tools to ensure they are not taken.

Additionally, before the PDLs can return to the dormitories, they are thoroughly searched, Anglo said.

The information officer also said livelihood products made by PDLs have been displayed in various exhibitions, and the income generated from selling these products has been returned to them and their families.

“This is the start of a promising wood carving program at BJMP Romblon, and as time progresses we hope to produce more PDLs who will be able to carve and eventually find a skill and trade that they can use when they leave the jail facility,” Anglo said