Cebu jail recommended for local gov’t awards (12:30 a.m.)
CEBU CITY — Innovations in the provincial jail’s operations, including the skills of its 1,500 inmates, impressed government officials. They will be recommending it as entry to the next Gawad Galing Pook Award.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7 Regional Director Pedro Noval said they have started to document the innovations implemented at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).
DILG 7 will recommend innovations in the rehabilitation of CPDRC inmates to the Galing-Pook Award, which recognizes outstanding programs implemented by local government units (LGUs).
Famous dance
Training the inmates how to make bags and other handicrafts and teaching them how to dance as part of their rehabilitation should also be implemented in other jails in the country, Noval said.
DILG 7 officials joined Gov. Gwen Garcia, judges, lawyers, prosecutors and guests at CPDRC yesterday morning to watch the inmates perform their now world-famous dance routines.
Governor Garcia’s visit was part of the activities of the week-long celebration of Cebu Province’s 438th Founding Anniversary.
The inmates performed their version of pop star Michael Jackson’s “Thriller†dance, which was viewed 3.2 million times on the video-sharing website Youtube as of Wednesday.
International media outfits, including a crew from Hollywood, also took footage of the dancing inmates.
“If only I have the authority, I will grant all of them amnesty,†Executive Judge Fortunato de Gracia said in jest after the inmates’ performance.
Discipline
De Gracia said their performance showed discipline, which is a good start in preparing them when they return to their families and communities outside the jail.
For Noval and de Gracia, the jail’s officials did well in managing the facility and instilling discipline among the inmates.
In her speech during the program, the governor said she is elated by the success of the rehabilitation of the inmates.
She recalled how the inmates protested against her when they were transferred to the new jail. Despite that, she insisted on the transfer and focused on the rehabilitation aspect of running the jail, she said.
Garcia said she wants to give the inmates a chance to change and dignity “because they are human beings.â€
She also thanked Byron, her brother and consultant on security concerns, for initiating the dance and skills training as part of the rehabilitation program.
Choreographer Vince Rosales admitted that it was hard to train the inmates at first, but he was able to get through with it because the inmates showed discipline.
Byron also said that he is proud of what the inmates have accomplished so far.
In his welcome speech, Leo Suico, the inmates’ leader, said their skills and performance show that they will no longer be part of society’s ills once they are released from jail. (MBG of Sun.Star Cebu)
well done cebu.. well done…. congratulations especially to the local government. you deserve an award for this… fantastic !!!! mabuhay ang CEBU !!!
i just saw the news tonight in Kathy Corik (’im here in Ohio) show they just said Philippines so i check Sun.Star Cebu and its in there. And i think that’s better to keep them fit and not to think of something or rather than fighting each other in jail..so keep them busy!! good idea!!its cool..:)
congrats to all… may it be an example to the rest of the philippines. all local governments should improve their facilities, and implement these programs….
It was a superb performance of the inmates,who shows discipline,teamwork and camaraderie.Kudos !! to the organizer, the jail’s management and especially to the Provincial Government.
May they continue what they have started. However, how about policemen in dance too. What do you think?
cool… it seems that inmates already learned the value of discipline and coordination …
The performance of the inmates was fantastic which shows the value of discipline and self-sacrifice. May they continue such traits when they will be back to their respective community. Sa ika-uunlad ng prisohan, disiplina ang kailangan. More power to the Cebuanos! You will be known all over the world for such innovation.
This is one of a kind accomplishment for a local government and Im very proud that it was from my beloved Cebu.To the provincial govt, BRAVO and MORE POWER!!! I salute you Mr. Byron Garcia,& your staff and most especially Gov. Gwen Garcia. This is the first time I feel proudest as a Cebuano moreso a Filipino. Cheers!!!
Impressived…Lipay kaayo kong nagsud-ong sa mga pineriso nga nanayaw ug thriller bisan sagbot sila sa katilingban(sa kaniadtong gawasnon pa sila)nagpabilin gihapon ang ilang gugma sa atong probinsya gumikan sa mga maayong paggiya sa atong mahal nga governadora gwen ug sa iyang ambungan nga igsoon nga si byron…keep up the good work…saludo kaming tanan nga mga filipinos diri sa bahamas
Well done Cebu and Congratulations! Keep up the good work guys and think positively in your life. Thank you Cebu, Philippines.. you made us proud here in abroad.
Cool!!! very nice, its good to see you guys having discipline and working as a team.. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS!!!!
I like it, and I’m all for rehabilitation BUT dancing in formation just doesn’t cut it for me. How does that help a person reintegrate into society?? It’s fun and all but… I know someone who was raped by a guy who was a pretty good dancer. It’s hardly a redeeming life skill that will keep you on the straight and narrow.
Wow! they are so good dancers! I watched the video many many times and it make feel happy. The Garcias are good people. Also I wanna thank Governor Gwen Garcia and formerly mayor now Vice Mayor Malou Loot for asphalting the Tominjao road, Thank you so much, and God Bless!!!
Congratulations to Gwen Garcia and all the staff working together and to all the inmates. I know that each one of you has an ability but because of the hardship in life maybe the reason you are there, remember guys we are all the same only be strong and keep on praying. Gov. Gwen, MORE POWER !!! Keep on helping poor people to have a good life by looking project abroad and be made available in the Phils. instead Filipino goes to China paying big placement fees.
Hope it will be maintained and even be improved more.
The prisoners were exploited. The Garcia dynasty should be probed for the CICC and other scandals.
I am in favor of Gullas passing a bill to continue the LRT from Consolacion to Talisay sa First Phase and Second Phase as far as Danao and Carcar. In a growing province, a development like this should be given priority. I think my second thing of Interest for the governement of Cebu to focus with is the Proper Waste Management that waste may be converted to Energy as what US and other developed countries were doing. This is expensive to start with but it is worth to spend. Please give attention, All Politicians. I Salute.
well done. . . well done. . . ilabi na sa taga brigada ono
i just love this guys haha.. cant belive they are criminals!! are they gonna tour??? hehe
I dont usually comment, but after reading through so much info I had to say thanks