CCPO wants to give skills training to ex-convicts

CEBU, Philippines - From a life of crime to a decent means of living.

This is the vision of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) for ex-convicts as it announced the planned launching a new livelihood program to help those who were once convicted of crimes.

The CCPO’s new program is called the “PMA,” which stands for “Pedicure, Manicure, Alot Training Alang sa Bagong Laya.” The past offenders will be taught to render services such as hair grooming, manicure and pedicure.

Police Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said this is a proactive measure to prevent the offenders from doing the same offenses when they go back to the community.

“Chances are inig sulod nilang kawatan… Inig gawas kawatan gihapon.” (They would go to jail for theft, and end up stealing again when they are set free.)

They have observed that many people go back to jail for the same offense. Thus, the skills training is aimed at pushing ex-convicts away from crime because they would then have a means to earn a living.

Also, Buenafe said, providing them with new skills would give ex-convicts more confidence when they go back to their communities.

The project was created to address a concern that was raised during the Police Coordinating Advisory Council.

The graduates will be given kits for their new livelihood.

The program is a joint project of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in line with the Police Community Relation’s Month.

There is no specific date for the launching of the program yet, but according to the City director, it would be within this month.

The PMA training is one of the series of programs of the CCPO such the PAPA LAB, a project for street children, and MAD, the intensified multi-sectoral campaign against drugs.

CCPO is still looking for trainors and volunteers for this new program. — (FREEMAN)