AS THE rain poured, the famed dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) again took centerstage as they performed in a special viewing organized by the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (CPTO) on Friday, Sep. 8, 2023.
Over 300 inmates performed a ‘90s-themed dance for about 200 guests at CPDRC’s viewing deck. The dancers were way less than the 700 dancing inmates who performed before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to CPDRC warden Reynaldo Valmoria.
The special appearance was the inmates’ way to celebrate Mother Mary’s birthday on Friday and marked the return of the dancing inmates who were unable to perform during their usual Saturday afternoon slot due to the preparations made for the recently concluded Pasigarbo sa Sugbo last Aug. 27.
Valmoria said speedy hearings and the good conduct time allowance are reasons for the drop in the number of inmates now at the CPDRC as many had been released.
Valmoria said dancing will remain part of the inmates’ rehabilitation to keep them away from drugs.
Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Marty Ybañez said guests who want to view the dancing inmates can register through the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office for free.
Ybañez said there will be weekly performances if there will be at least 45 registrants who want to view the show.
For her part, Arnela Tangkay, CPDRC dancing inmates’ coordinator, said the performances will be free of charge, but visitors are encouraged to support the inmates by purchasing locally-made souvenirs.
Proceeds from the sales will be deposited to inmates’ personal bank accounts to support them upon their release.
For 43-year-old Flor Maribari, an inmate who has been in the facility for eight years, dancing helps for stress relief.
“We forget our problems and how we miss our family. All of us have ups and downs; but we are still grateful that in spite of everything that’s happened to us, there is this program that helps us,” said Maribari in Cebuano.
Another inmate, Leo Baran who stood out with his energetic dance moves said he got his inspiration to dance from his family and the inmates who cooperated during their practice.
“There really is development within ourselves. We respect each other,” said Baran. (RJM)