LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA) -- Letters with messages of encouragement and hope from people from all walks of life reached inmates of the Ifugao District (IDJ) in Kiangan town in a one of a kind campaign initiated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to involve the whole of society in reforming offenders spending time in jail..

This  “Letters of Love and Hope Beyond Bars” campaign aims to engage the community in providing encouragement to the to PDLs in  prison,  

“This campaign aims to foster community support for the reintegration of PDLs by encouraging the community to send letters of love, hope, encouragement, and support. It will leverage the power of social media platforms to spread awareness, build empathy and create a positive impact on the lives of PDLs upon entry into mainstream society,” said JO2 Elsie Cayong during the “Hummangan with PIA ” radio program.

PDL refers to persons deprived of liberty, a politically correct term used to refer to prisoners or jail inmates under the so-called Mandela Rule.

Read: https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/nelson-mandela-rules-protecting-rights-persons-deprived-liberty

The letters were read during the PDL’s monthly therapeutic community meeting. 

With the permission of mail senders, the letters may also be used in BJMP’s social media posts as well as in radio or TV guestings to encourage community participation . 

“PDLs face many significant challenges upon release, including limited social support, economic barriers and emotional hurdles. These risk factors may contribute to the increase in reoffending underscoring the need for interventions. Letters of Love and Hope Beyond Bars initiative of the region is one way of intervention using the power of community engagement through letters/messages of encouragement and support to PDLs,” BJMP Cordillera Regional Director Senior Supt. Kenneth Bid-ing  said.   

Target participants to this campaign include individuals or groups, local officials, representatives from the criminal justice sector, civic society organizations, academe and the community. (JDP/MBL-PIA Ifugao)