With the lights and booth decorations, you’d think this Christmas Village is set up in a park.
But believe it or not, this Christmas Village is inside a penitentiary.
This is the initiative of the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm.
“We can’t deny that there are negative vibes, but we bring positivity to the penitentiary,” said JSupt. April Rose Ayangwa, Warden at Baguio City Jail Male Dorm.
Here, you can buy quality products made by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from all over the Cordillera, which can be perfect gifts for Christmas.
One of the PDLs making bamboo products is AP.
Instead of feeling down, he focuses on making products from bamboo.
This way, he can support his child’s education.
Some of the products have been elevated through collaborations with local artists and the PDLs.
The result: high-end bags and elegant-looking items!
“We try to do product development, that’s why we’ve upgraded and facelifted their raw products. Right now, we’re combining beads, pearl beads, and rattan,” Eroz Goze, Designer Consultant, mentioned.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also enjoy food trips or relax with manicures and pedicures offered by the PDLs.
The proceeds will go towards the Family Day of the PDLs this Christmas.
It’s also important to follow the dress code and protocol when visiting.
The Christmas Village is open from 8 am to 5 pm every Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
It will run until December 31.
This is not just a way for BJMP to showcase PDL-made products but also serves as a beacon of hope for the prisoners.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
