HLAF equipped sixteen (16) persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) of Baguio City Jail Male dormitory with essential legal literacy in understanding their cases, legal documents, and court procedures. This includes an overview of criminal justice, the legal rights of persons deprived of liberty, necessary skills, and other relevant legal standards from July 4, 2024 – July 17, 2024.
The 5-day paralegal training allowed trained PDLs, who now serve as paralegal aides to provide support to their fellow PDLs, creating a ripple effect of learning and empowerment throughout the jail. This includes helping them with basic legal inquiries, providing information on legal resources, and assisting in navigating the legal system.
The activity was facilitated and co-organized by HLAF scholars Germane Yvette Tayao and Frances Maye Gandeza from Saint Louis University School of Law. Moreover, during the graduation session, the Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran (CJMM) Community Legal Assistance Office, the Legal Aid Clinic of Saint Louis University also joined to further assist in the consultation of cases of PDLs.
In addition to the paralegal training graduation, HLAF together with the Master Choa Kok Sui (MCKS) Charitable Foundation donated 2 sewing machines, 1 brown cloth roll (for PDLs during hearing), 40 yellow shirts, and fast food packs which will help in the promotion of Baguio City Jail Male dormitory’s livelihood programs, decent court appearances, and overall well-being. The donations are estimated to be over Php 32,800.00.
Baguio City Jail Male dorm Warden JSupt April Rose Wandag-Ayangwa expressed her warmest gratitude to the collective effort of HLAF and its partners in promoting the rights of PDLs.
“Maraming maraming salamat HLAF and also SLU CLAO sa inyong patuloy na pagconduct ng mga activities na nakakatulong sa ating mga Persons Deprived of Liberty nang sa ganon ay manumbalik ang kanilang self-confidence, and kanilang self-esteem at madagdagan ang kanilang karunungan”.
HLAF Executive Director Atty. Jean Aubree Ruby Sadural told Baguio City Jail Male dorm that HLAF will continue its dedication, activities, and efforts to promote the lives of PDLs, as well as enhance the capabilities of jail officers in the future.
