THE Metro Bacolod District Jail (MBDJ)–Female Dormitory in Bacolod City showcased several handmade bags and Christmas items created by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the two shopping malls in Bacolod and Makati City.

Some of the Christmas decors and items like key chains are displayed at the Captivi Crafts booth in Robinsons Place Bacolod from October 1 to 9 through the help of the Prison Ministry and Diocese of Bacolod.

These items are also available at the Negros Showroom. Price ranges from P50 to P2,000. It varies from the designs and sizes.

Bags are exclusively on sale at Kiculo Craft located at the Ladies' Bags Section of Rustan's Department Store in Makati City.

Prices of bags range from P1,000 to P4,000, depending on the sizes and designs.

The bags are uniquely made using wood beads outsourced from Cebu and Manila which are woven to create a meticulous one of a kind wood beaded bags. These fine beads are Philippine softwood and Philippine bayong wood and other kinds of wood.

Senior Inspector Aubrey Robles-Guttierez, jail warden, said the selling of bags is through the help of the Diocese of Bacolod.

They are helping us get a bigger market for our products. It will be available year-round at Rustan’s, she added.

Robles-Guttierez said the main goal of the project is to showcase the talents and skills of the female PDLs to the community.

“We want to let them know that despite their incarceration, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), along with the help of various groups, is eager to help them lead a better life,” she added.

It is our hope that the public will appreciate these items and be able to help in their own little way. The proceeds of each item sold will automatically be given to the PDL who made it, Robles-Guttierez said.

Every purchase will greatly help the livelihood program of the jail, she also said.

For inquiries, message them directly on their Facebook account, MetrobacolodistrictjailFemaledorm.

Interested buyers can also place their orders via Facebook. (GYM)