Collaborative efforts are being planned by the newly installed jail warden of the Virac District Jail with the local chief executives of eight towns to better serve their constituents who are Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the facility.
Jail Senior Inspector Jesse Potonia, a native of Camalig, Albay, told the local media that he has been tasked to continue the good work of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and disclosed his plans for the district jail.
He said he would enlist the assistance of the mayors of Virac, Gigmoto, Baras, San Miguel, Viga, Panganiban and Bagamanoc in collaborative efforts for the betterment of the jail especially in livelihood programs.
So far, he has paid courtesy calls and discussed his plans with the chief executives of the capital town and the nearby municipality of Bato.
“Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr. has assured of the support of the municipal government of Virac on whatever assistance it could provide for the needs of the district jail,” Potonia stated.
On security at the facility located along the provincial road in Calatagan Tibang that was donated by the LGU, Potonia bared that he has intensified security, reminding gate guards to inspect all belongings being brought by visitors to ensure that no contraband will come in for the safety of the PDLs, their visiting family members and the jail personnel.
This Christmas season, the warden said, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza has assured that the Virac District Jail will provide the “parol” or lantern for use in decorating the provincial capitol compound.
The jail’s Community Relations Service has already coordinated with the concerned agencies, including the Provincial Tourism Office, regarding the Christmas lanterns being made by the PDLs who will benefit from the sale.
“The provincial government, other municipalities and stakeholders are also patronizing their products, including delicious baked goods being made by PDLs, that are of great help to their families,” the warden said.
JSInsp. Potonia also expressed his gratitude to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for livelihood trainings provided to PDLs, including electrical wiring and dressmaking.
Likewise, he thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for including the jail occupants in the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) Program, an emergency employment program that pays minimum wage for 20 to 30 days for community workers.
“Naging mga recipient din natin ang ating mga PDL. At sabi ko nga, hinihipitan ko sila to show talaga ang kanilang mga ginagawa na mapanatiling malinis at maging maayos ang Virac District Jail. Sabi ko nga, ipakita ang kanilang best para andito na sila sa kulungan talagang gagawin ang tama,” the warden said.
He cited the regular visits being undertaken by the Regional Trial Court judges to determine the actual conditions of the facility and inquire from the PDLs the status of their scheduled hearings to ensure the administration of justice.
The BJMP is regularly implementing programs for the mental health and psychosocial well-being of PDLs, through psychoeducation provided by the psychologist and psychiatrist of the regional office, including the support of health personnel and referral to health facilities if needed.
Morning meetings and other activities as well as the formation of support groups are daily occurrences under the Therapeutic Community Modality Program, he added, while the “e-dalaw” which allows PDLs to talk with their families who live far from the jail and lessen their boredom and loneliness.