Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Colors of hope, dreams, and transformation filled the walls of the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) showcased their artistic talents through a mural painting activity in celebration of the Prison Awareness Month.
The activity, which aimed to promote rehabilitation and self-expression among the PDLs, became one of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration.
With brushes in hand and hearts full of meaning, the PDLs turned blank walls into vibrant stories of redemption, renewal, and faith.
One participant, known by his alias “Roy,” shared that his mural symbolizes morality and true change. “For me, morality means real change and the genuine desire to live a better life,” he said. “My dream is to be with my family again, to live a normal and honest life once I leave this facility.”
Another PDL artist, alias “Pat,” expressed his journey through an abstract painting. He described his work as a reflection of his life’s transformation. “My mural shows darkness slowly fading into light,” he explained. “It represents my acceptance of past mistakes and the hope that comes from embracing true change.”
According to the SCRDC management, the mural painting served not only as a creative outlet but also as a form of therapy that allows PDLs to channel their emotions and reflections about life, change, and hope.
The initiative was made possible through the active participation of talented PDLs, supported by facility officers who continuously encourage moral recovery and transformation among the inmates.
The SCRDC recognized the efforts of the participants by awarding prizes to the winning entries. These prizes, though modest, served as encouragement and a symbol of appreciation for their creativity and commitment to positive change.
Provincial Jail Warden Barney Condes, emphasized that the activity is part of the center’s broader rehabilitation programs aimed at developing moral values, discipline, and faith.
“We believe that art, just like education and livelihood programs, is an effective way to inspire hope and encourage reflection among our PDLs.
As the event concluded, the murals stood as silent yet powerful reminders of the PDLs’ determination to rebuild their lives.
Each stroke of paint carried a story of regret turned into hope, and confinement turned into opportunity for transformation.
The South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center continues to uphold its commitment to help PDLs overcome life’s challenges through various programs anchored on faith, discipline, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
Within the walls of SCRDC, colors now speak louder than words telling stories of dreams, hope, and real change.
