As part of a recent skills enhancement program, 12 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Romblon District Jail are learning livelihood skills from fellow inmates 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.

“Dan” said “learning to carve has put his life back on track.”

The PDL 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 stashed away.

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

The information officer said livelihood products made by PDL have been displayed in various exhibitions and the income generated from selling the products were 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 PDL 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. (PNA)