ILIGAN City — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) joined the nationwide observance of National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) 2025, honoring persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and the people working daily to help them rebuild their lives.
BJMP Officer Carmelo A. Corsame said the annual observance recognizes both the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and the commitment of jail personnel and partners who guide their rehabilitation and reintegration.
“This celebration gives value to our PDLs, jail personnel, and all stakeholders who continuously help bring them back to the community and to a normal way of life,” Corsame said.
This year’s theme — “Matatag na Paglilingkod, Makabagong Pamamaraan, Maunlad na Serbisyong Pampiitan” — focuses on the humanity of those behind bars and the dedication of personnel supporting them. The weeklong event runs Oct. 20 to 26.
Activities included fitness programs, alternative learning classes, and friendship games between probationers and jail personnel, all organized with the help of community stakeholders.
Last Friday, the “Serbisyo Iliganon Caravan” provided free medical services inside the facility.
Saturday was dedicated to family day, highlighted by the Ms. NACOCOW pageant. The observance concluded Sunday with a nationwide Mass for prison awareness.
Beyond the celebration, BJMP Iligan continues to expand livelihood efforts aimed at restoring dignity and purpose. One of its standout projects is “bamboo cubism art,” pioneered by a PDL who has been detained for eight years while his cybercrime case remains pending.
“At first, I just tried to make something out of boredom,” he said. “Later, I discovered I could turn bamboo into artistic figures. Now, I teach 11 other inmates this craft.”
He said his earnings allow him to still support his family.
“Unta magustuhan ninyo akong products… nga bisan pa man tuod naa ko diri, makatabang gihapon ko sa akong pamilya,” he said, hoping buyers appreciate the work and its impact on loved ones outside.
“These products are made with love by our PDLs,” said Jail Officer 1 Reiane Sulit, welfare and development officer for the jail’s male dormitory.
She said the items are more than crafts — they represent hope and second chances, noting that the bamboo artworks are highly creative and can even be personalized upon request.
Iligan City Jail currently houses 732 male PDLs and 63 female PDLs in separate dormitories.
