Bureau of Corrections, Metro Manila, 25 Aug 2020 – Spearheaded by Deputy Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines turned over 5,000 washable face masks and 5,000 bar soaps to the Bureau of Corrections Assistant Secretary Milfredo Melegrito, Deputy Director General for Administration, and Mr. Gabriel P. Chaclag, Officer in Charge, Deputy Director General for Reformation, to support their efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the New Bilibid Prison.

The donation of these personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene supplies was facilitated through UNDP Philippines’ initiatives, which support the reformation work of the BuCor for detainees who have been previously associated with violent extremism and are now in the  Maximum Security Compound (MaxSeCom).

“The reason for UNDP’s re-affirmed commitment to support the Rehabilitation and Reformation programs of the Bureau of Corrections despite the additional challenges brought by the COVID is because we want to humbly but firmly add a voice to our quest to shed light to the rights of detainees. We believe in the dignity of human beings above all,” said Mr. Gaveglia.

Aside from the donation of the PPEs and hygiene supplies, UNDP Philippines also turned over 1,000 comic books featuring the winning works of New Bilibid Prison detainees that were submitted to the Comic-Making Contest hosted by UNDP last December 2019. The contest highlighted comics as an effective medium for inmates to convey positive values aligned with the goals of reformation and transformation. The comics emphasized narratives about family, trust and faith in God, service, perseverance and hope, as well as the inmates' aspirations for a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

In turn, BuCor DDG for Administration Assistant Secretary Milfredo Melegrito expressed gratitude to UNDP’s contributions to BuCor’s programs by saying that "(BuCor) acknowledges (the) help (of UNDP) because it will definitely help us in addressing and performing our mandate, our mantra, which is ‘Reforming Lives, Community Thrives.’”

Chief Technical Inspector Lariza Martin, BuCor focal person for the project, added that "BuCor is also grateful for the realization of the capacity-building seminar/workshop facilitated by the UNDP as it greatly contributed on the skills development of BuCor Officers in providing appropriate reformation and reintegration programs to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), particularly those previously associated with violent extremism." UNDP also donated learning equipment, such as laptops and projectors, to support these educational and reformation programs.

This partnership with the BuCor was supported through the UNDP Funding Windows project "Strengthening National and Local Deradicalization Efforts through Community and Women’s Participation in, and Cooperation with, National Security Institutions and Processes." The project has worked with the Bureau of Corrections in strengthening the reformation and reintegration programs for persons deprived of liberty towards their transition to peaceful, productive, and resilient lives.

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