BJMP INMATES WINS “PAPAYA DANCE” WEEKLY FINALS

     Some 425 dancing inmates of Pagbilao District Jail in Quezon  recently won the weekly finals  for “Papaya Dance Video” over at Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba? hosted by Mr. Edu Manzano.

     Their daily exercise routine consisting of intricate formations and dance steps has earned them Php 20,000.00 and a slot for the grand finals to vie for the Php 100, 000.00 cash price.

    Warden CINSP RANDELL H LATOZA, when asked as to why he submitted such entry said “I would like to help bridge the gap between the corrections pillar and the community and make them understand that these inmates have high hopes of being accepted back by society without the usual stigma being attached to incarcerated felons. I want the viewers to know that what we actually have inside the jails are communities of people that needs help, understanding and of a second chance to life.”

     Chief, BJMP J/DIR ARMANDO M LLAMASARES finds such innovation laudable and states that “the BJMP has its Best Practices consisting of good rehabilitation programs and innovations only that it cannot be made applicable to all jails because of the problem of congestion. Most facilities lack the necessary space to hold rehabilitation/livelihood programs and that instead of being productive, most inmates spends idle time in jails”.

   LLAMASARES also calls for a collaborative effort among local government units, NGO’s and the community as well in helping the BJMP solve the problem of congestion.  

LLAMASARES further states that “the problem of congestion in jails cannot be addressed by the BJMP alone. With the present  jail population of 60, 732 and a 5% annual projected increase,  we need help especially from the local government executives in terms of  lot donations and construction of additional jail facilities to help address the problem of congestion.”