Leyte: A local chapter of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) will provide support to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the district jail in this town to assist with their reintegration into society. President of the JCI Burauen Burabod chapter, Gerli Therese Abrillo, said PDLs deserve attention from their group because many of them experience emotional distress, loneliness, lack of access to legal assistance, and limited opportunities for personal growth.

According to Philippines News Agency, Abrillo stated that through livelihood training, mental health talks, legal consultations, inspirational sessions, games and amusement activities, and gift giving, the project aims to improve their well-being and inspire positive change within the facility. Dubbed Project Hope, the organization launched the initiative on Thursday by donating 48 wooden bed frames to some of the 61 PDLs inside the facility in Cagangon village. The bed frame provision aims to improve the living conditions of PDLs.

Activities this year include skills training, stress management, emotional support, free legal advice, singing, dancing, sharing stories of hope, and giving gifts to inmates. Abrillo emphasized that providing humanitarian support and empowerment programs for PDLs helps peacebuilding, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.

Jail Inspector Edelito Velarde, the acting jail warden, thanked the JCI, the local government unit, and all partners for their commitment to the welfare of the inmates. He expressed hope that the PDLs feel the support from the government and private organizations in their integration process.

The local JCI chapter invites partners and sponsors to support their year-round mission to restore dignity, empowerment, and opportunities for the inmates' transformation. JCI is a global organization of young people aged 18 to 40, with more than 500,000 members across more than 100 countries.