Perpetualites visit Bilibid Prison
http://uphlgazette.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71:perpetualites-visit-bilibid-prison&catid=31:in-campus&Itemid=86
Written by karla
Sunday, 15 February 2009 21:00
Passing through large imposing doors, the students of UPHL tried to hide their nervousness at first as they entered what we could call a prison, but what would be called a home for those that live within its walls.
Last September 27, an outreach program at the Muntinlupa National Bilibid Prison was organized for the first year students in order for them to have a small glimpse of life for what the society calls the ‘inmates’.
Slight apprehension was clear in the air as the students, along with the faculty, were obliged to undergo tight security measures, staying close to one another as they waited to be escorted to where they would eventually meet the inmates.
After a welcoming remark from the penitentiary’s head of pastoral security, ‘Kuya Boy’, the participants were taken just outside the church, where benches facing each other were placed so that the inmates and the students could communicate with ease.
At first, there was an awkward pause, but after a while it gave away to the curiosity as the inmates opened themselves to the students. According to the inmates, although having very limited freedom, life inside the penitentiary is not that much different from the ‘outside’. Inside the huge compound, there is a school and a hospital, and also a small market. Like people outside the compound, those inside the penitentiary must make money in order for them to provide for their daily needs. This they accomplish by selling all sorts of crafts they make themselves such as carvings, paintings, and the like.
Education is also attainable for those who would like to pursue, or continue, an education, as the school teaches common academics like English, Mathematics, Science and the like. Courses such as Mechanics and Arts are also available, for those who would like to pursue such career when they get released. Teachers from outside come to the penitentiary several times a week to teach some inmates, who in turn, teach the others. Sometimes, special guests are invited to talk to the inmates regarding their work.
“Masaya naman. Kung gusto mo naman ay mage-enjoy ka talaga, dib ba?” Mang Ramon, an inmate of three years, said when he was asked how he finds his Mechanical Course.
The inmates had the opportunity to talk to the students. They shared their thoughts and stories about their lives before they were incarcerated and their lessons while in jail. After small talks the students handed small gifts such as slipper to the inmates, which they appreciated.
Next >
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 February 2009 17:36 )
http://uphlgazette.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71:perpetualites-visit-bilibid-prison&catid=31:in-campus&Itemid=86
Written by karla
Sunday, 15 February 2009 21:00
Passing through large imposing doors, the students of UPHL tried to hide their nervousness at first as they entered what we could call a prison, but what would be called a home for those that live within its walls.
Last September 27, an outreach program at the Muntinlupa National Bilibid Prison was organized for the first year students in order for them to have a small glimpse of life for what the society calls the ‘inmates’.
Slight apprehension was clear in the air as the students, along with the faculty, were obliged to undergo tight security measures, staying close to one another as they waited to be escorted to where they would eventually meet the inmates.
After a welcoming remark from the penitentiary’s head of pastoral security, ‘Kuya Boy’, the participants were taken just outside the church, where benches facing each other were placed so that the inmates and the students could communicate with ease.
At first, there was an awkward pause, but after a while it gave away to the curiosity as the inmates opened themselves to the students. According to the inmates, although having very limited freedom, life inside the penitentiary is not that much different from the ‘outside’. Inside the huge compound, there is a school and a hospital, and also a small market. Like people outside the compound, those inside the penitentiary must make money in order for them to provide for their daily needs. This they accomplish by selling all sorts of crafts they make themselves such as carvings, paintings, and the like.
Education is also attainable for those who would like to pursue, or continue, an education, as the school teaches common academics like English, Mathematics, Science and the like. Courses such as Mechanics and Arts are also available, for those who would like to pursue such career when they get released. Teachers from outside come to the penitentiary several times a week to teach some inmates, who in turn, teach the others. Sometimes, special guests are invited to talk to the inmates regarding their work.
“Masaya naman. Kung gusto mo naman ay mage-enjoy ka talaga, dib ba?” Mang Ramon, an inmate of three years, said when he was asked how he finds his Mechanical Course.
The inmates had the opportunity to talk to the students. They shared their thoughts and stories about their lives before they were incarcerated and their lessons while in jail. After small talks the students handed small gifts such as slipper to the inmates, which they appreciated.
Next >
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 February 2009 17:36 )
コメント