Baguio City Jail opened its doors to the public for a Christmas Bazaar that showcased the products made by Cordillera Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Persons Deprived of Liberty in the different regional district jails last November 20.

Warden Jail Superintendent April Rose Ayangwa said that the Open House will last until December 31, 2024 to showcase the creativity and to sell the Livelihood Program items to boost the earnings of the PDLs. This would give their families more money to celebrate the holidays with at the same time change the impression of the public about jails as unsafe and unfriendly areas.

Products from the provinces were shown in four booths manned by Jail Officers and PDLs. The Kalinga Apayao booth includes varieties of rice apart from the brooms and woven hats and bags. Ifugao and Abra stall showcased bamboo and coconut-based items that ranged from baskets and hats to backpacks and cups. Mt Province stall included wooden drums and tambo decors. Benguet was the most varied with fresh vegetables from released PDLs to detergents and dishwashing liquid from the La Trinidad jail. The fashion bayong bags and wooden hat holders were included in the items for sale.

Food prepared by the Baguio City Jail male PDLs are available too from snacks to bagnet, kini-ing, pancit batil patung, biryani, tocino, longganisa, and Kimchi. This food enterprise is done by PDLs not inclined with crafts. There is also a beauty parlor for hair and nail care.

The public is invited to the jail from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. By Nonnette C. Bennett