When speaking about jails, people typically mutter how disheartening it would be to spend even a second of one’s existence there. The clock would stop ticking, and one would be plunged into a stagnant life.
However, for Lanao del Sur province, this perception was pictured as an awful illusion as the provincial government, through the leadership of Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. has ensured that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) would not be purposeless while they are still in cells, rather, they would have adequate time to reflect on their past offenses and be fully rehabilitated so that once they would be integrated back to the society, they would be citizens worthy of emulation.
Today, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail stands proud as it showcases the current developments in its vicinity. From being a mere jail for inmates in the previous, the place now is tidy, spacious, and aptly furnished, having a newly built cafeteria, prayer room, visitors lounge, and well-operating office, all designed to allow the PDLs to repent their wrongdoings, and be motivated with the determination to be better when they are released.
Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail Acting Provincial Warden Wardia Usman attested how their facility has transformed over the past years.
She recalled that before, various issues would linger in this jail, such as not having an appropriate area where occupants could cook and eat properly.
At present, Usman was grateful to share that the jail’s concerns have already been addressed.
She detailed that apart from infrastructure efforts, the government has likewise pursued livelihood opportunities for the PDLs, which could serve as their source of income when still being detained and would also be beneficial if odds were in their favor and could already commence a new life outside.
“Naisip namin iyon para may magawa sila dito sa loob, and at the same time ay hindi sila mabored. Pwede rin nila ito iapply sa labas,” said Usman.
(We thought of this so that they have something to do here inside, and at the same, they would not get bored. They could also apply this outside.)
Among the initiatives pushed were the conduct of skills training such as tile setting, carpentry, auto mechanic, cake making, and baor making, which was realized in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD).
With the recent developments attained by his area of control, Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail Chief Haron Maruhom conveyed his elation, citing that these are products of the provincial government’s dedication to materialize his mission of not leaving anyone behind, regardless of the social status.
“Lahat ng hinihingi namin kay gov ay suportado kami lahat. Kapag alam ko na kailangan ay talagang hinihingi namin iyan kay gov. Gusto ko kasi malinaw lahat,” he said.
(All that we ask from gov is supported. If I know it is needed, I ask for it from gov. I want everything to be arranged.)
To maintain the progress in their place, Maruhom guaranteed that everyone is united, participative, and collaborative.
He underscored that as jail supervisor, he made it a point that things would be in place, and the premises would be secure, thus, no civilians could go within the parameters without an approved appointment.
Alias Sunflower expressed her appreciation for being able to carry on her livelihood while detained.
She was happy that for two years of staying, she witnessed a great improvement in the facility.
“Maganda kasi nakakakuha kami ng financial (support) kahit nandito kami sa loob. Nabibigyan kami ng panghanapbuhay, lalo na ako na walang dalaw… Maganda kahit nandito kami kasi malinis at maluwag (ang jail),” said Sunflower.
(It is wonderful because we can get financial (support) although we are here inside. We are given a livelihood, especially since I do not have visitors… It is wonderful although we are here because (the jail is) clean and spacious.)
Today, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail is a pride of the province not only because of its inspiring workforce but also because of its reputation molded by testimonies of PDLs proving that they have indeed untroubled lives behind bars. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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