DOJ, private partners sign MOU for female inmates

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with private partners for a project seeking to improve the technical skills of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) to provide them long-term means of livelihood.

The DOJ and CIW signed a six-page memorandum of understanding with private partners Zarah Juan, Mark Bumgarner, Strokes, Halohalo, Zalora, Pinay Girl Boss, Huawei, Smart and Lazada for the implementation of Project Arts, Crafts and E-Commerce (Project ARTE).

The private partners will train the PDLs in bag-making, make-up, designing, and arts and entrepreneurship, among others.

“This program represents a significant step towards achieving economic empowerment for women, particularly those who have faced challenges and barriers in their lives,” Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said in her speech.

“By providing them with tools, training, and resources that they need to succeed in the digital economy, we are not only empowering them to build better futures for themselves, but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of our society,” she added.

Meanwhile, under the MOU, the DOJ shall formulate policies and roadmaps for the implementation of the project.

According to the agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which presides over the CIW, shall facilitate the prioritization and identification of correctional facilities for the initial launch of Project ARTE.

BuCor will also facilitate the selection of the PDLs who will become beneficiaries of the project. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News