By ALLIANAH LOUISE A. OCCEÑA, Philippine Information Agency intern
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — To improve the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Cagayan de Oro City Jail pushes for mental health advocacy, with 90 percent of the efforts focused on counseling PDLs individually.
“Nag-tap mi og mga college of nursing students para pud naay maka-advocate og mental health sulod sa jail (We have partnered with college nursing students to help advocate for mental health within the jail),” said JSInsp. Mary Rose Pacana, jail warden of the Cagayan de Oro City Jail Female Dormitory (CDOJ-FM), adding that these initiatives aim to prioritize the well-being of the inmates, many of whom were previously victims of neglect.
In addition, JINSP Brit D. Aguilon, chief of Community Relations Services at CDOJ-FM, shared that as part of their ongoing initiative, efforts are being made to provide continuous counseling to individuals, helping them cope with various challenges in life, during the Kapihan sa PIA, January 21.
“Naa man mi mga psychometrician, unfortunately limited atong medical workers with the partnership nila nga makaadto mi sa colleges sa Cagayan in order to advertise the BJMP, kay need namo ang medical workers, especially sa mental health nila,” said Aguilon.
(We have psychometricians on staff, but regrettably, we lack sufficient medical workers. With the partnership, we are able to go to colleges in Cagayan to advertise BJMP, as we need medical workers, especially for mental health.)
He added that their collective effort is to make mental health support more accessible and effective for everyone.
Livelihood and productivity
Focusing on enhancing productivity and livelihood programs, Pacana said CDOJ-FM handles the operation of a bakery famous for its moist chocolate cake.
She also shared her plans to expand the dormitory space and introduce creative activities, such as diamond painting, to encourage personal growth among the participants.
However, Pacana emphasized that every decision made will always consider the needs and desires of the people involved. “Pero gi-sure namo nga makita namo ilang gusto sad, para mag-coincide sad mi og mulambo among mga plano,” she added.
(We make sure that we understand their wants as well so that our plans align and help us grow together.)
Moreover, the jail facility has partnered with the First Community Cooperative to offer vocational courses such as plumbing, barbering, wood carving, and painting to the PDLs. The jail has also provided the necessary equipment to ensure these skills are marketable after their release, giving the individuals an opportunity for a better future.
Aguilon stated that these initiatives show the BJMP’s dedication to rehabilitating and empowering PDLs by addressing their needs and equipping them with skills for a productive and healthy return to society.