Koronadal City|October 7, 2025 – As the Christmas season draws near, the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) is once again highlighting a livelihood program that not only brightens homes with festive décor but also gives hope and purpose to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Among the products crafted by the PDLs are traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns, or parols, which have become symbols of light, resilience, and faith during the holiday season.
One of the PDLs, who introduced himself as Jio, has been inside the facility for 17 years.
For him, making parols is more than just a livelihood , but it is a way of redeeming his time.
“One of the things we make here is the Christmas lantern. The standard lantern, with 13 rounds, we sell for 2,500 pesos. The price also varies depending on the size,” he shared.
(Isa sa mga ginaubra namon diri ang parol. Ang standard nga parol, nga 13 rounds, ginabaligya namon sang 2,500 pesos. Depende pa sa size, naga-iba ang presyo).
Jio explained that buyers interested in supporting their work can coordinate directly with the facility’s administration to place orders.
The parols, carefully handcrafted, are not only symbols of Filipino tradition but also tangible products of perseverance and creativity behind bars.
Alias Jio also expressed how the livelihood program has impacted his life.
Having spent 17 years inside SCRDC, he said the work gave him purpose and dignity.
“This is a big help for me. Not only do we earn an income, but our time here is also given meaning. What we create is something meaningful that can also bring joy to others,” he said.
(Dako ni nga bulig sa akon. Indi lang nga naga-income kami, pero ginahatagan man kami sang kahulugan ang amon oras diri. Ang ginahimo namon, meaningful nga butang nga makapalipay man sa iban).
The livelihood program is part of SCRDC’s rehabilitation initiative, which seeks to provide PDLs with meaningful activities, skills training, and opportunities to contribute positively to society even while serving time.
As Christmas approaches, the parols made inside the jail serve as reminders that even within walls and fences, light can shine , crafted by hands seeking redemption, and welcomed by homes that choose to support second chances.
For those interested, the public is encouraged to contact the SCRDC administration for orders and further details.
