DAVAO CITY, Philippines, 6 September — Inmates at the Davao del Norte Provincial Rehabilitation Center (DNRPC) are now so busy cross-stitching that some visitors could easily mistake them for having lost their masculinity.
Arab News found out, however, that the reason for this pre-occupation with this chore that used to be for women only is love of family.
“I only earn a little from my cross-stitching but this is a big help to my family,” said Reynaldo Celes when asked why he was cross-stitching.
As Celes spoke, his colleagues were pushing needles and threads with utmost concentration, oblivious to the rush of fellow prisoners around them and the daunting heat during a recent visit by journalists.
Celes is a member of the Inmates Facilitator and Counselors under the Values Formation Program. The program is run by the Rehabilitation for Least-Served Detainees Foundation, Inc. (RFI), a non-government organization that caters to prisoners’ concerns, regardless of creed or color.
Rebecca Balinggao, coordinator of RFI’s Socio-Economic Support Services Program, said cross-stitching and T-shirt printing are just among foundation’s socio-economic projects in both the DNRPC and the neighboring rehab center for Compostela Valley.
The twin centers occupy the 4.5 hectare lot in Mankilam, Tagum City, after Davao del Norte was divided into two provinces a few years ago.
Officials of the DNRPC said there are 268 inmates housed in only 10 cells, with a food budget of a measly 30 pesos (slightly more than 2 riyals) per day. So the little earnings they get from their cross-stitching, T-shirt printing and other projects are a big help.
Jeffrey Rufano, 24, who is facing homicide charges, said he is “fortunate” to have joined the RFI’s programs.
Rufano said he used to be considered a “hothead” by his inmates for getting into trouble frequently but has since changed after joining Values Formation Program.
Making inmates productive while serving their prison terms are nothing new in the Philippines though.
