The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Manila City Jail, launched the first Pag-asa Expo for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) on Tuesday.
The “Serbisyo at Katarungan Caravan” brought services such as legal consultations, psychosocial counseling, livelihood support, and job assistance to over 200 PDLs preparing for release. Around 5,000 hygiene kits were also distributed.
DILG Undersecretary Serafin Barretto Jr. stressed the government’s duty to serve all citizens, including those behind bars. He said many under BJMP custody are awaiting trial, reinforcing the need for initiatives like the Expo.
The caravan mobilized several agencies, including DOLE, DSWD, TESDA, and PAO, along with private sector partners like Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.
DILG officials said the initiative, which will be expanded nationwide, supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a whole-of-government approach in delivering services to vulnerable sectors.
