Cotprov launches livelihood program for inmates

The Provincial Government of Cotabato, in collaboration with the Kidapawan City Skills Training Center, Inc. (KCSTCI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), launched its outreach program at the (North) Cotabato District Jail yesterday.

Guided by the theme, “Kasanayang Teknikal sa Piitan, Daan Tungo sa Kaunlaran”, KCSTCI will train 45 inmates on different livelihood skills such as cooking, baking and handicrafts making. The program will allow the detainees to raise funds for their basic needs and to help their respective families.

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza said during her inspirational message that she is very willing to help the District jail now under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) through the programs of the government and will support the efforts aimed at improving the living condition of the 769 inmates.
“I hope that through this opportunity to make yourselves productive, you will be better prepared once you go outside and live in your respective community.”

She also thanked the TESDA especially Secretary Joel J. Villanueva for the dedication and commitment in advocating that there is a bright future in vocational courses in addressing our employment problem in the country.

The governor stressed the need for all partner agencies to be united in advancing the program to help inmates because that is part of “Serbisyong Totoo.”

Jail Chief Inspector Mary Chanette E. Espartero, officer-in-charge of the (North) Cotabato District Jail expressed her excitement and thanked the partner school and other government agencies for the opportunities given to the detainees.

Engr. Florante L. Herrera, the Provincial Director for TESDA (North) Cotabato said the TESDA Regional Office provided PhP50,000.00 for the community based training inside the compound.  Detainee- trainees will receive a national certificate from TESDA once they have finished the course.

Speaking for the KCSTCI, Juanita S. Lee, MA-Ed, Vice President for Academics said that “we are happy that we are tapped by our very innovative and resourceful jail wardress. Hopefully this program will make the participants realize that they are still productive if given the chance to be trained.  I know they have the potential and this program will help them, their family or even the community and they are given a chance to be productive and become useful citizens of our country.”


Appointment of J/CInsp Espartero pushed

In the same launching program at the (North) Cotabato District Jail, Governor Taliño-Mendoza requested the BJMP to appoint J/CINSP Mary Chanette E. Espartero to be the head of the Cotabato Provincial Jail.
“I’m happy to see that the compound is clean. It simply implies that your officer-in-charge is doing very well.

She earned the trust and respect of the inmates even in the presence of those considered “high risk” inmates. As a matter of incentive, the Provincial Government of Cotabato wishes that J/CINSP Espartero be given the authority to run the jail in full capacity, not just as an acting jail wardress, the governor said.

J/INSP Teddy Uchi, BJMP 12 Chief on PRM/HRD Division, who represented BJMP 12 Regional Director Jail Senior Superintendent Daniel G. Dequito, Jr., assured the governor that her request will reach the regional director.sgjh