Camarines inmates receive livelihood program

MANILA, Philippines - A program that seeks to give inmates in Camarines Norte a source of livelihood has been launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Labor Secretary Rosalida Baldoz said the DOLE office in Bicol initiated the “Kita sa Likod ng Rehas” program with 30 inmates as initial beneficiaries.

“This is the first in DOLE history that we are providing inmates a source of income so they may feed their families even when they are behind bars,” Baldoz said.

The labor chief said the agency signed an agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the implementation of the program.

Under the agreement, DOLE will provide P180,000 worth of livelihood assistance for inmates in several jails in Camarines Norte.

Labor officials said being in jail should not stop a person from earning for his family.

Each of the 30 beneficiaries received tool kits for their occupations – electricians, mechanic, cosmetology, mason and carpentry, sewing and food preparation.

DOLE will provide the funds for the inmates’ livelihood, while the BJMP will give them training.

One of the beneficiaries, Eden Escalante, is a wife of an inmate. She received a food preparation package on behalf of her husband Renato, who has been jailed for illegal logging.

With DOLE’s help, Eden was able to put up an eatery and earn at least P5,000 a month.