SOUTH COTABATO – The South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) concluded its celebration of Buwan ng Wika with a lively program filled with music, performances, and displays of talent from Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Provincial Jail Warden Barney Condes said activities conducted inside the facility play an important role in the rehabilitation and transformation of PDLs.
“The activity aimed to highlight the importance of the Filipino language and culture and promote appreciation of the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage,” Condes said.
The closing ceremony was attended by invited guests who witnessed various performances showcasing the talents and musical abilities of the PDLs inside the facility.
All 447 PDLs currently housed at the facility participated in the month-long celebration and its activities.
According to Condes, providing meaningful and productive activities helps keep the PDLs engaged while they are inside the facility and encourages them to focus their attention on positive pursuits.
“We want to provide activities for our PDLs so that they can stay occupied while inside the facility and avoid thinking about negative things.” Condes said.
The Buwan ng Wika celebration also demonstrated that language is more than simply a means of communication. It can serve as a bridge of hope, understanding, unity, and personal transformation.
Through songs, dances, cultural presentations, and other performances, the PDLs were given an opportunity to express themselves and demonstrate their abilities despite their circumstances.
Joanne Lazaga, prison guard in charge of the SCRDC Rehabilitation Program, emphasized the importance of culture and the arts in inspiring not only fellow PDLs but also the guests and other individuals who attended the activity.
“Sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga sayaw, awit, at iba pang pag tatanghal ipinakita ninyo na ang talent at talino ay walang hanganan at hindi ito sukatan sa lugar kong saan tayo naroroon, kundi sa puso at damdaming ating ipinapahayag,” Lazaga said.
She said the performances demonstrated that talent and intelligence have no boundaries and should not be measured by the place where a person happens to be.
The celebration provided the PDLs with an avenue to showcase their creativity, skills, and appreciation of Filipino culture while strengthening their confidence and sense of purpose.
