The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Manila City Jail Male and Female Dormitory, officially launched the first-ever Pag-asa Expo for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) on Tuesday.

Spearheaded by the DILG, the Pag-asa Expo: Serbisyo at Katarungan Caravan brings crucial government services directly to PDLs. Among the services extended were the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, psychosocial counseling, extended Balik Probinsya assistance, as well as legal consultations and aid for over 200 PDLs who are set for release.

In his opening remarks, DILG Undersecretary Serafin Barretto, Jr. emphasized the government’s duty to uphold justice and ensure compassionate service for all, including those behind bars.

“Kami po ay may tungkulin na kayo ay paglingkuran, sapagkat ‘yan ang aming sinumpaan,” Barretto said.

“Hindi lamang tayo nagtitipon para magbigay ng serbisyo kundi para maghatid ng pag-asa, pag-unlad, at pagkilala sa dignidad ng bawat isa sa inyo, mga kapwa nating Pilipino,” he added.

Barretto also highlighted that a significant portion of individuals under BJMP custody are awaiting trial or resolution of their cases and are eventually released, reinforcing the need for activities such as the Pag-asa Expo.

The caravan mobilized several agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), alongside private partners such as Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.

As part of the initiative, 5,000 hygiene kits were also distributed to the PDL population of the Manila City Jail.

Also present during the activity were DILG Assistant Secretary Liavel Badillo-Crisostomo and BJMP NCR Regional Director JCSupt Baby Noel P. Montalvo, among others.

The DILG, together with its partner agencies, reaffirmed their commitment to continuously deliver vital services to PDLs, with plans to roll out the caravan to other parts of the country.

This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a whole-of-government approach in bringing essential services closer to the grassroots, especially to vulnerable sectors like PDLs.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Launches-1st-Pag-asa-Expo-Brings-Government-Services-to-Manila-City-Jail-PDLs/NC-2025-1203