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hope
BETWEEN EAST & WEST By Tonette Martel (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 1, 2012 - 12:00am
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Women weave hope as they transform newsprint into baskets at the Correctional Institute for Women in
Mandaluyong.
While having a late snack with a friend one afternoon, I was drawn to the small beaded bag she brought
along. Her bag was fashioned from plastic beads playful and luminous in appeal, it was the sort of thing
that lends a touch of whimsy to daywear or informal eveningwear. To my amazement, Ging told me that her
bag and many of the same kind are all handmade by the inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women
in Mandaluyong. Ging Pajaro, who owns the four-decades-old Via Venetto shoe stores, carries a limited
selection of these beaded beauties. She tells me that Japanese tourists have been snapping them up and
inquiring as to where they can order more of these items to take back to their country.
Months had gone by before we both visited the Correctional Institution for Women or CIW to see what
vocational programs were in place and how the women in detention produce these highly attractive objects.
What sparks the creativity of women living in trying circumstances? What gives them hope? What sustains
them?
CIW Mandaluyong was founded in 1931 with the stated mission of giving women in detention opportunities
for reformation so as to facilitate their reentry to society as law-abiding citizens and God-fearing individuals.
As such, the programs at the institution include moral and spiritual instruction, education and vocational
training, work and livelihood projects, sports and recreational activities, and behavior modification
programs. The rationale behind these programs is to engage the women in character-building activities that
will lead to their reformation and renewal. The institution also makes every effort to make them feel like they
are part of a caring community. In most cases, their own families have ceased to care about them or have
abandoned them, and it is left to the institution to give them hope. It is a sad reality that these women must
face, and it is a small comfort that they are given opportunities to better themselves, although the prospect
of release are often times not hopeful. More than 60 percent of the women in detention have been
sentenced to life imprisonment and cannot hope to be granted executive clemency though they may be old,
infirm or dying. It is the current administrations position that women prisoners should serve their time and
that good conduct while in prison is the natural consequence of being confined in a controlled or
regimented environment. No doubt there is much truth to this. Yet there is also the idea of giving people a
second chance; otherwise what is the good of reformation programs in the long run? Its a thorny issue that
could spark endless debate and discussion. Yet in a sense, it all goes back to the perennial problem of
poverty, poor education and a lack of sound moral grounding.
Talents bloom within prison
A side from the production of handicrafts, the women also tend to a vegetable and fruit garden, as well as a
piggery. They are further provided with free healthcare, and can take elementary and high school-level
courses. Atty. Ruelo told us that this June they will introduce college-level courses. On the day of our visit,
we noticed the women were busy going about their business engaged in their respective duties,
attending religious services or even taking a break from a day filled with activities that begins at 6:30 in the
morning and ends in the early evening. Atty. Ruelo tells us that the institution very much encourages the
feeling of being part of a community and extends humane treatment to all offenders. As she explains, They
feel that they are being cared for as members of our family and not judged as criminals. They feel that they
are a part of us. Many sectors have extended a helping hand to the institute and to the women themselves
such as the Philippine National Red Cross, various NGOs, religious and student groups who have become
actively involved in reaching out to the inmates. They support outreach programs in the form of medical
and dental missions and provide for the basic needs of the inmates. Still, Atty. Ruelo says one of the best
ways to help the women is to find buyers for their finished products. We have lots of products that can be
used in the home like ref covers, kitchen towels, iron pads, fruit trays, among many others crafts. Anyone
can buy these products here at the institution during office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will very much
appreciate the support because it helps the inmates and it also helps the government because what they
spend in supporting the inmates we can return to back to them, she points out.
Bags and home decor
Merle Diomangay, who is now 57, came to the institute for the offense of drug pushing and abuse. This will
be her 10th year in detention. Though she is widowed, her three children still visit her regularly and it is
because of them that she that finds the strength to carry on. Sila ang aking kalakasan, says Merle. She
looks back at her former life with much regret mostly because she abandoned her children in their
formative years. Hindi ko napalaking maayos ang aking mga anak, eleven years old lang yung bunso ko
noong nakulong ako.
In the face of life imprisonment with no prospects of release, I asked Merle how she remains steadfast.
Wala naman tayong magagawa kung hindi sumampalataya sa Diyos na siyang nagbibigay sa atin ng
kalakasan at pagasa. Natutunan ko na walang impossible sa Panginoon, she says. Pagising ko sa
umaga, pinupuri ko ang Panginoon na ako ay buhay pa at bigayan niya akong ng panibagong kalakasan.
What is her message to fellow women offenders? Wag tayong mawalan ng pagasa sa Panginoon.
Hihipuin ng Panginoon ang puso ng mga nanununkulan sa goberyno at mababago ang lahat na sitwasyon
para sa atin na nakakulong.
I asked Merle what her prayers are as she rises in the morning. What follows is the full text of a heartfelt
and repentant prayer.
Panginoon, thank you. Salamat po buhay pa ho ako. Malusog po aking buong katawan magmula sa po
sa physical hangang sa aking mga joints, sa aking puso at pag-iisip. Gawin mo po akong pagpapala sa
mga taong makakita sa akin, sa mga kapatid na makakita sa akin. Gawin mo po ako na example patungo
sa panibagong buhay at pagasa na aking tatahakin kung sakasakali bigayan ninyo akong pagkakataon na
makalaya o makalabas sa lugar na ito. Ito po ay dinadala ko sa pangalan ni Jesus kasama po ang gabay
na mahal na spirito.
There is no doubt that many in our society suffer from extreme poverty and deprivation and yet theyve kept
their dignity and integrity intact. There is no excuse for any crime, however small or petty. There are only
underlying causes and reasons. And yet for those women offenders who are on the path of repentance and
renewal, shouldnt there be the promise of a brighter day? Isnt that what our faith teaches? For now, and at
this institution, they have found a measure of peace and hope. Still the hope must live on that they can
someday return to their communities, and be given the chance to start life anew.