Iligan City – In a landmark achievement, the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD) has successfully facilitated the release of 19 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in a single day, thanks to the implementation of its time allowance projects.
This unprecedented event highlights the effectiveness of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) and the Time Allowance for Study, Teaching, and Mentoring (TASTM) in supporting the reintegration of PDL into society.
JO2 Vouz Gerard P Tagaro, the Paralegal Officer at ICJMD, emphasized the transformative impact of these projects: “The GCTA and TASTM are pivotal in offering our PDL hope and a clear path to reintegration. These initiatives not only shorten sentences but also promote positive behavior and personal growth.”
The GCTA rewards PDL with sentence reductions for demonstrating good behavior and exemplary conduct during their incarceration.
Meanwhile, the TASTM program offers time allowances for PDL participating in educational, teaching, or mentoring activities. The jail’s comprehensive TASTM projects have been instrumental in granting early releases, with over a hundred PDL benefiting from these programs in the past six months alone.
Tagaro was honored with the Gawad Penolohiya (Search for Outstanding Jail Officer) Best Paralegal Officer of the Year award last year for Type A Jails by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology national headquarters. He was recognized for his exceptional role in facilitating significant PDL releases through paralegal efforts and time allowances. Type A jails accommodate a population of 500 PDL or more.
JCI CARLO F OBRIQUE, City Jail Warden, underscored the value of TASTM projects: “Our TASTM initiatives, such as the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and various skills enhancement programs, are crucial in equipping PDL with essential knowledge and skills for their future.”
Additionally, the recent “Read Your Way-Out” project, a library initiative funded by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, exemplifies ICJMD’s commitment to literacy and time allowances. By accessing library facilities, PDL are granted the TASTM. Specifically, for every 60 hours per month dedicated to accessing library services, PDL can earn a deduction of 15 days from their sentence for that month. This not only incentivizes learning but also aids in the personal development and rehabilitation of PDL.
Warden OBRIQUE further noted, “The time allowance project significantly aids in reducing jail congestion.”
Released PDL are also provided with referrals to government programs, including DOLE’s TUPAD and various DSWD services, to support their fresh start and reduce recidivism.
TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers is a program administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that provides emergency employment and financial assistance to disadvantaged and displaced workers, including newly-released PDL. It offers short-term jobs and income support to help individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, enabling them to gain temporary employment, acquire skills, and improve their economic situation.
The Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory remains dedicated to offering opportunities for PDL to better themselves and re-enter society successfully. Today’s milestone underscores the facility’s commitment to rehabilitation and positive change through its time allowance projects.
