Weaving Hope Behind Bars: How Medina’s PDLs Turn Trash into Treasures

COURTESY: SAYU/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental

In the heart of **MEDINA, Misamis Oriental**, a remarkable story is unfolding within the walls of the **Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – Medina Municipal Jail**. Here, *persons deprived of liberty (PDLs)* are shaping a brighter future — one thread at a time. By turning discarded sachets and worn-out fabrics into vibrant rugs and handy wallets, they are proving that even in confinement, creativity can flourish and change is possible.  

This initiative, brought to life with the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Medina, local tailors, and Lite FM 103.7 DXPU Radyo Medina, shines as a beacon of sustainability and second chances. While the colorful products offer functional beauty to buyers, they also embody a deeper message: transformation is possible, and worth pursuing.  

A Celebration of Change

During the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW), Medina Mayor Marriane Lloren Chan personally visited the PDLs to inspire and encourage them. Her warm words emphasized equality and compassion, reminding the inmates that care and respect extend beyond boundaries. The visit became more than a formal affair — it was a heartfelt gesture of unity and hope.  

Moreover, Mayor Chan’s encouragement resonated deeply. She reminded the PDLs to hold on to faith, envisioning a day when they would walk free as renewed individuals. This moment, filled with sincerity, bridged the gap between the community and those behind bars, showing that support is a vital component of rehabilitation.  

Art, Income, and Purpose

Every rug and wallet crafted inside the Medina Municipal Jail tells a powerful story. PDLs like Jay-R, a 29-year-old artisan, find joy and meaning in carefully stitching recycled sachets and fabrics into colorful creations. Their most beloved product — the handmade rug — captures attention with its practical design, durability, and eco-friendly charm.  

For these PDLs, the project is far more than a livelihood. It is a lifeline. The income helps support their families, while the act of creating renews their sense of purpose and productivity. Here, recycled materials become agents of change, and every finished product symbolizes resilience, skill, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.  

In **MEDINA, Misamis Oriental**, the walls of the BJMP-Medina Municipal Jail no longer only signify confinement. They also shield a small but growing movement of transformation, where discarded materials are reborn as colorful, useful treasures. And behind each stitch lies a promise: that life, no matter where it is lived, holds opportunities for renewal. 

Empowering Justice: The Nationwide Rollout of the Paralegal Microlearning Series

COURTESY: JAKA/PIA-10

Introduction to a Transformative Initiative

 In a significant stride towards enhancing legal education, a pioneering initiative originally conceived by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Northern Mindanao has achieved nationwide implementation. The Paralegal Microlearning Series, a digital platform dedicated to providing legal training to Jail Paralegal Officers (JPOs), was officially launched across all BJMP units on April 3, 2025. Following its successful pilot phase in the region, the rollout commenced in the third week of May, receiving invaluable support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the GoJust2 Program.

This innovative program caters specifically to JPOs, who, as non-lawyer personnel, play a vital role in assisting Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with their legal concerns. By utilizing brief animated videos, each lasting five to seven minutes, the Paralegal Microlearning Series ensures that JPOs can access critical legal knowledge through smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers—free of charge to the government. This accessibility marks a transformative shift in how legal education is disseminated within correctional facilities.

Building Confidence Through Comprehensive Training

Jail Chief Inspector Jessa Sarah Sanchez, the legal service section chief of BJMP Region 10, emphasizes the initiative's success and its broader implications. “Recent lang siya, naging available nationwide; pero 2023 pa ginagamit na natin ito sa mga jail paralegal officers natin dito sa Region 10,” she noted. This proactive approach allowed for the collection of feedback, which revealed that JPOs felt more confident in their roles after engaging with the program. The initiative aims to provide regular and manageable legal learning, recognizing the necessity for JPOs to possess a foundational understanding of legal principles.

Sanchez further elaborated on the collaborative efforts that shaped the program's content. The BJMP engaged in focus group discussions with the paralegal team at the national headquarters and consulted with legal experts to ensure the training remained comprehensive yet accessible. The curriculum includes essential topics such as good conduct time allowance (GCTA) computation, probation, bail, release on recognizance (ROR), legal procedures, case follow-ups, and case tracking. By continuously refining the content based on user feedback, the BJMP demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of learning and improvement.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The BJMP's dedication to enhancing legal support services for PDLs is evident in its approach to the Paralegal Microlearning Series. As Sanchez stated, “We don’t just launch a project and leave it. We collect feedback, adjust the content, and relaunch it. It’s a continuous improvement cycle.” This initiative not only empowers JPOs but also reinforces the legal rights of PDLs, ensuring they receive the assistance they need. With the nationwide rollout now in effect, the BJMP aims to build on the progress achieved in Northern Mindanao, ultimately enhancing the legal landscape within correctional facilities across the country.