Twenty-five members of the Lanao del Norte Jail Bakers’ Association received essential baking tools and ingredients amounting to P350,000 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), providing a significant boost to their livelihood and supporting the government’s reintegration initiatives for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The assistance, provided under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and in partnership with the accredited co-partner, Paglingkawas Women Federation (PAWFED), will enable members to produce a wider range of breads and pastries for income generation.
The initiative offers PDLs a promising pathway to economic self-sufficiency upon their eventual release, underscoring the Marcos, Jr. administration’s commitment to compassionate justice and inclusive recovery.
Of the 25 members who benefitted from the assistance, 18 hold Bread and Pastry Production NC II certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The association also recently completed Entrepreneurship Development and Financial Management training to strengthen their ability to run small enterprises successfully.
Held recently at the Lanao del Norte District Jail in Baroy, the turnover ceremony was led by the DOLE Regional Office X – Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, through its Public Employment Service Office.
Regional Director Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao underscored the event as another significant milestone in the regional office’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and uplift vulnerable sectors in the province.
“Hopefully, if makalaya na sila in the near future, maka-ipon sila from this livelihood,” added DOLE Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office Head Criste O. Perfecto, as she expressed optimism for the beneficiaries’ futures.
Meanwhile, Association President Edmund Yap conveyed deep gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how the support strengthens both the morale and the livelihood prospects of the beneficiaries. Another beneficiary, Kenneth Tumala, shared how the project allowed him to channel his skills productively.
The program underscores the shared commitment of DOLE, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Lanao del Norte, and the Provincial Government to provide second chances and promote inclusive development that restores dignity while opening doors to a better, more hopeful future for PDLs.
