In an inspiring display of community solidarity, the recent efforts to check on the status of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Batangas City Jail have brought both hope and support to women facing difficult circumstances, on October 25, 2024.
HLAF together with dedicated student volunteers from Batangas State University and Batangas National High School went to Batangas City Jail female dormitory to provide, prepare, and cook PDLs warm meals – Adobo for lunch, Macaroni soup for Meryenda, and Fried Chicken for dinner.
Bridging the Gap
The lives of female PDLs often present unique challenges, compounded by societal stigma and the obstacles inherent in their incarceration. However, a team of enthusiastic student volunteers who saw a post from an HLAF staff has taken it upon themselves to bridge the gap between the community and those behind bars.
Jails and prisons often face unique vulnerabilities during typhoons, and inadequate infrastructure and limited access to emergency resources can exacerbate the risks faced by vulnerable PDLs. The safety and well-being of PDLs can be compromised, leading to detrimental health outcomes, heightened stress, and a lack of basic necessities.
However, JSINP Clariza P. Ebora, Warden of Batangas City Jail – female dormitory said that there were no serious damages in the facility, although they had power outage during the typhoon. “All fifty-two (52) persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are safe and warm, yun nga lang, brownout sa amin for a whole week because of the strong winds and heavy downpour of Kristine.”
A Community Coming Together
Ronze Anthony Bagsit, a student volunteer from Batangas State University told it was his first time visiting a jail, and indeed a very memorable experience. “Masaya po na nakasama at nakatulong ako sa HLAF at Batangas City Jail female dormitory, at pinayagan po tayo kaagad sa ganitong klaseng activity”.
HLAF Strategic Social Behavioral Change Communication and Advocacy Officer Melvin Nunez said that the advocacy activity was a social behavior change campaign engaging students and mobilizing communities toward supporting and promoting the rights, welfare, and well-being of persons deprived of liberty all over the country. “Gusto namin mas mapalawak yung human rights community na tumatalakay sa advocacy namin for PDLs, lalong lalo na para sa mga vulnerable – mga may sakit, matatanda, mga persons with disability, mga bata, at mga dating nakulong”.
