THE DAVAO City Jail Annex opened a mini-library on Monday to enhance the reading capability and also serve as a rehabilitation program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Jail Officer 3 Harvey Bryan Malnegro, Civil Relations Service (CRS) chief at the city jail annex, said they had to make some compromises due to the limited space inside the annex. So, they built the mini-library on the pathway leading to the College of Education Behind Bars facility.
“It can only house four to five PDLs to read books inside, but it can help knowledge-seeking PDLs,” he said.
The mini-library was a collaboration between Set B and the Davao City Jail Annex. Monday’s launch was attended by Set B Vice President Lawyer Susan Cariaga, BJMP regional director Jail Chief Supt Isabelo Cartin Jr., assistant Regional director for administration Jail SSupt Bernie Ruiz, and chief of staff Jail Supt Ian Ocmen.
Cariaga said they are eyeing an e-library to reach out to more PDLs.
Accordingly, the mini-library can help more than 800 knowledge-seeking PDLs, who are mostly sick, senior citizens, and LGBTQIA members.
Meanwhile, the Ma-a Central elementary school has pledged to donate books. Moreover, the city jail is open to donations for reading materials that can help PDL students in the Alternative Learning School.
