Naujan: Twenty-two persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Naujan District Jail attended an information drive on Tuesday to learn about the benefits of the Social Security System (SSS) and how they can start contributions even while in detention.

According to Philippines News Agency, the activity was led by SSS representatives and focused on the importance of membership and the advantages it offers, including retirement, disability, and death benefits. The SSS explained how voluntary contributions can be made by PDLs through authorized representatives or family members, ensuring their membership remains active even while they are in custody. By doing so, they can continuously build their contribution record, which is vital for accessing future claims.

BJMP Mimaropa information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said the program covered membership procedures, proper contribution payments, and benefit claims processing. Anglo emphasized that planning for the future should not stop even while individuals are inside the facility and that programs like this provide tools to rebuild lives once they return to society.

One of the participants, who requested anonymity, expressed appreciation for the program, highlighting its significance in preparing for the future despite being in prison, and hoped for the continuation of such initiatives.

As of this writing, the BJMP-Naujan houses 114 PDLs, most of whom are either awaiting the resolution of their cases or serving sentences of less than three years for various offenses. The initiative aims to give them a head start in securing social protection benefits that could support their reintegration into the community.