BJMP inmates earn from lantern-making 

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) expressed hope that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in its facilities will have a brighter Christmas by earning income through making handcrafted lanterns (parol) for the Christmas season, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

“Ngayong taon, muling hinihikayat ng BJMP ang lahat na maging bahagi ng pasko ng ating mga PDL sa pamamagitan ng pagtangkilik ng gawa nilang mga parol (This year, the BJMP once again encourages everyone to be a part of our PDLs' Christmas by enjoying their handmade lanterns),” said BJMP chief Jail Director Allan Iral in a statement on Thursday.

Iral urged the public to patronize the livelihood projects of PDLs to give them hope for the Yuletide season and support their families while they are incarcerated.

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“Purchasing and patronizing products made by our PDL will be a great help for them and their families, especially in this time of the pandemic,” he said.

As early as August, PDLs of the Negros Occidental District Jail – Male Dormitory started the production of hand-crafted lanterns for the yuletide season.

The same goes for the PDLs of San Juan City Jail – Male Dormitory, who are known for their colorful lanterns made of bamboo, colored plastics, and lights.

Inmates from the Pateros Municipal Jail are also preparing the bulk production of custom-built lanterns which will soon light up the streets of the municipality.

Meanwhile, other jail facilities such as the Cadiz City Jail, Talibon District Jail, Ormoc City Jail - Male Dormitory, and Digos City District Jail – Female Dormitory announced recently on their respective Facebook accounts that they are now accepting customized orders.

The costs of handcrafted lanterns made by PDLs usually vary depending on the size and complexity of the lantern.

The large lanterns are more expensive as these are harder to make and are installed with Christmas lights.