Iloilo City, BJMP-6 launch PDL livelihood program

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Iloilo City Government on Monday, April 6, approved a new program in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Western Visayas to help persons deprived of liberty gain new opportunities while detained and after their release.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu approved the activity proposal for the Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Development Activity program along with Technical Institute of Iloilo City administrator Mathilde Treñas and BJMP-Western Visayas regional director Jhon Montero.

The SELDA program aims to provide technical skills, entrepreneurship training and livelihood opportunities to help PDLs reintegrate into society, gain employment or start small businesses, and reduce recidivism.

The program builds on the Jail Pantry, Reflexology, and Cosmetology Training implemented by the city government in 2023, which produced 136 graduates.

The new program will target PDLs in Iloilo City jail dormitories and offer 20 training courses, including eight technical and vocational education and training courses, 10 livelihood and skills training courses, and two business workshops.

Each training batch will have 20 to 30 PDL trainees selected by the BJMP.

The trainees will be trained and supervised by the Technical Institute of Iloilo City and the Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo through face-to-face sessions.

Graduates will receive training certificates.

TVET trainees will undergo the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority national assessment for either National Certificate I or II.

The signing activity also featured the turnover of a recipe book produced by the city government containing specialized recipes from previous Jail Pantry Training program participants.

Montero said the program supports the BJMP’s mandate to ensure the “transformation of PDLs into productive and law-abiding members of society.”

“Rehabilitation has always been at the core of our mission, and one of the most powerful tools we have is empowerment through livelihood and skills development,” Montero said in his message.

Treñas-Chu said the SELDA program forms part of the city’s direction to “have all programs for all sectors.”