PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the Puerto Princesa City Jail’s male dormitory are actively participating in artistic pursuits as a means of self-expression and personal growth, with strong support from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Fifteen PDLs are finding solace in artistic expression through speech choir as part of the Tinig ng Pagbabago - An Exhibition of Artistic Skills and Talent Through Speech Choir program.

Speech choir is a group performance of choral recitation, where tone, rhythm, and expression are used to effectively convey a message or emotion without singing.

Jail Officer 1 Neil Factura, the male dormitory’s skills, sports, and cultural head, pointed out that participation in the arts contributes to the mental well-being of the PDLs and fosters positive character development.

“This has been their [means of] expression. It is mentally hard inside the jail but they have managed after finding solace in art. And we believe art could lift our spirits up and help develop our character,” said Factura on Tuesday.

The aim of the initiative, according to BJMP information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, is to assist them in becoming productive members of society.

Anglo added that participation in the arts helps prevent the PDLs from re-offending.

“As long as you are willing to learn, you will learn a lot while in jail. And immersing them in the arts and recreational activities help them fight the urge of doing illegal activities again," he said.

The activity is in line with the observance of the International Day of Prevention of Violent Extremism and Terrorism on February 12. Its goal is to highlight the transformational potential of art in promoting peace and aiding the rehabilitation process of PDLs.