BuCor uses Veloso's batik-weaving skills to teach other PDLs

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) plans to use Mary Jane Veloso's expertise in batik-weaving to teach other Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).

Veloso, who was recently transferred back to the Philippines after over 14 years in Indonesian prison for drug trafficking, will help boost CIW’s livelihood program.

BuCor Director General Pio Gregorio Catapang said they would also introduce hollow block-making as part of their efforts to provide income-generating opportunities for PDLs.

The BuCor, Department of Justice, and CIW signed a memorandum of understanding with SPARK Philippines to improve the corrections system and empower women PDLs through technology upskilling and income-generation programs.

As part of its decongestion program, the BuCor transferred 150 PDLs from New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to the Leyte Regional Prison last Sunday.