Capitol increase CPDRC meal allowance from P25 to P68

Local

FOR persons deprived of liberty at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a bigger piece of chicken and vegetables mixed into monggo have become visible signs of "a change" inside the facility.

The Cebu Provincial Government has increased the daily food allocation for every PDL from P25 to P68, giving CPDRC more than double its previous budget for meals.

The new allocation amounts to about P22.66 per meal, compared with only around P8.33 under the previous budget, allowing the facility to improve the quantity and nutritional value of food served to detainees.

CPDRC Jail Warden Dr. Felipe Montejo said the higher allocation was implemented this year under the administration of Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro.

Montejo said the increase was necessary to address concerns over whether the previous allocation was enough to provide adequate and nutritious meals.

One PDL said the improved food had also lifted their morale by giving them a sense that people outside the facility cared about their welfare.

“Nakatabang dili lang sa morale but sa emosyon gani nga naa diay mga tao nga andam maghuna-huna sa among ikaayo nga mga binilanggo. Karon okay kaayo," he said.

"Ang monggos naa gyuy sagol nga utan, naa gyuy subak. Ang manok, tinuod gyud nga manok. Sauna makaingon mi mura’g langgam, karon dako na ang hiwa,” the PDL said.

The detainee recalled that the previous food allocation sometimes contributed to feelings of isolation and helplessness.

“Murag rejected mi, feeling namo dili mi part sa katilingban kay gamay ang budget. Feeling namo helpless mi, walay madaganan nganong ingon ani, unya at the same time mura’g pirming gutom,” the PDL said.

Beyond food, CPDRC is also expanding activities aimed at supporting the physical, social and emotional well-being of PDLs.

Montejo said basketball, volleyball and table tennis have been introduced at the facility, while pickleball is being considered as another recreational activity.

He said the activities are intended to give PDLs productive ways to spend their time and prevent boredom while they remain in detention.

Montejo is also looking into reviving performances by the CPDRC Dancing PDLs, which could again be presented to the public subject to Baricuatro’s approval.

Religious activities have also been strengthened with assistance from the Cebu Archdiocese of Prison Apostolate, which helped reintroduce PDLs to Christian ministries, gospel activities and other spiritual engagements.

CPDRC recently held its Buwan ng Wika culmination program, where PDLs took part in poster making, traditional games, Balagtasan and cultural dance competitions.

Winners received cash prizes and certificates.

Montejo said the rehabilitation program will also be expanded to include livelihood initiatives, giving PDLs opportunities to develop skills that could help them prepare for life after detention.

The initiatives form part of the provincial government’s effort to improve PDL welfare.(MyTVCebu)