The creativity of persons deprived of liberty or PDLs participating in various livelihood programs in different district jails in the provinces of the Cordillera is showcased in the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm Exhibit. Open to the public, interested persons may purchase or order the goods produced by the PDLs to help them earn money for the holidays.
Warden and Jail Superintendent April Rose Ayangwa opened the jail doors on November 20, 2024 to the public for access to the Christmas Mart. Jail officers and PDLs worked overtime for three days to prepare and make up for the delay caused by multiple typhoons that hit the region, according to Ayangwa.
The Kalinga Apayao booth took top prize, with their 80% recycled material booth with a colorful display highlighted by their luminous green Christmas tree made from soda bottles. The booth showcases soft brooms, big woven baskets, coffee, vinegar, wine, and decorations made with the stalks of reeds or “tambo.”
A variety of rice products and beans are also available. This is augmented by food products like “bagnet” or deep-fried pork and “kini-ing” or smoked pork belly sold by Baguio PDLs. A mini beauty parlor is also open for nail and hair care. There’s food service for meals like biryani on weekends and batil patung on certain days of the week.
The Abra and Ifugao booths feature “pasiking” or backpacks, baskets, coconut lamps, coconut mugs, and glasses woven with rattan stalks as a major product. Different bamboo instruments like lip and nose flutes are available. Bamboo amplifiers can also make interesting gifts.
Mountain Province products include customized one-of-a-kind crafts made from tambo, too, that are ideal for giveaways. The clocks with unique designs show the creativity of the PDLs in the area. The native drums were sold out on the first day and await restocking. Included in the booth are beaded purses and bags from the Baguio City Jail Female Dorm. They’ve also included scarves as gift items perfect for beating the cold weather.
The Benguet booth has the widest array of goods, including detergents and dishwashing liquids from the La Trinidad jail to the “bayong” baskets and wood products from the Baguio City jail. There are also vegetables from released PDLs who participated in the exhibit.
Baguio PDLs sell budget meals with “tocino” and “longganisa” daily for those who would like to eat at the jail. Snacks and kimchi, also prepared by Baguio PDLs, are on offer for visitors or simply for takeout.
This type of open house is the first of its kind in Bureau of Jail Management and Penology history that shatters the impression that jails are not friendly spaces.
Shop at the City Jail and help the PDLs from the region give their families a little more for the season. The exhibit is open until the end of December.
