IT was around a week ago when the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Davao Region (BJMP-Davao) and the Panabo City District Jail posted a wishlist of their persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Panabo City.
Many of the items that they are asking from kindhearted donors are hygiene kits, yoga mats, slippers, undergarments, t-shirts, boxer shorts, allowances, and grocery items to name a few.
There are also those who are asking donors to give to their children instead of themselves.
"Wish ko school supplies sa grade 4 na anak ko, laroan, damit sa 10 yrs. old na lalaki," reads a wishlist from a certain Mark Louie.
"Wish ko ngayong Pasko, sana mabigyan ng bisiklita ang anak ko," Barin writes.
There are those who simply wish to enjoy the food they do not regularly eat inside the jail.
"Dear Mam, wish nako mam makakaon unta ko og pan basin unsa nga pan thank you mam [sic]," writes Francisco.
One inmate asked for lechon manok while another also wishes to eat sisig.
Going through all these requests, they are very simple wishes that are basic needs -- soaps, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste to stay clean; yoga mats that are possibly being used for some to sleep or rest on; and garments to wear every day.
The simplicity and wholesomeness of this activity teach us a few things in life. But there are two important lessons that we want to point out -- being grateful for what we have and giving.
These items that they requested are what many of us usually take for granted in our day-to-day lives. For us who are enjoying our freedom, we are able to enjoy and meet our basic needs while PDLs either don't or have limited access to it.
Out here, we are able to enjoy the food we want. Inside, they eat whatever is prepared for them.
Meanwhile, for us who have been blessed this year, let us give back to the community in any way we can.
If you want to give to the PDLs and grant their wishes, you can drop by the Panabo City District Jail in Brgy. Salvacion, Panabo City, Davao del Norte. You can also message them on their official Facebook page, Bjmp Panabo Cdj, or contact the personnel assigned to consolidate the gifts -- JO2 Vanessa Amlon (09959329868) and JO1 Gessel Ann Patajo (09085375724).
Aside from the Panabo City Jail, you may also give back to other district jails that are near you or other charitable organizations.
This Holiday Season, it is heartwarming to be reminded by the PDLs of the importance of being grateful and giving. Happy Holidays!