THE handmade lanterns of the inmates at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) are now on display for sale along Luna-Corrals Street, Cagayan de Oro City.
These Christmas lanterns are durable for they were made of coconut leaves (lukay), bamboo, tinfoil, and rugby.
"Dako kay ni katabang sa mga binilanggo, makahatag sila og tabang sa ilang pamilya. Ang star pud namo mga barato ra og pagkabuhat niini nagkalain-lain nga disenyo," one of the inmates named Mario (not his real name) said.
The capitol has been allowing detainees to continue this livelihood activity to enable them help their respective families even if they are behind bars. Some of their income will also be spent on buying their personal necessities.
"Kini livelihood project para sa atong prisoners. Pag start sa October until December gabaligya og stars diri ang atong mga prisoners sila pud ang naggama ani para naa silay liveihood project," Maricris Mulat, MOPJ assitant jail warden, said.
"Ang income nila ani ilang ihatag sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya para maka celebrate gyapon ang ilang pamilya nga tua sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka balay during sa pasko," she added.
The price of Christmas lanterns ranges from P85 to P1,800 depending on its sizes.