Handicrafts created by women incarcerated at the San Pedro City jail have garnered international acclaim, proving that their talent does not go unnoticed.

The Zonta Club of Laguna, led by its president, San Pedro City Representative Ann Matibag, spearheaded the initiative that brought the intricately crafted bags to the attention of the international community.

Hon. Ulziisuren Jamsran, the United Nation Women Representative in Indonesia and ASEAN Liaison, a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, lauded the Zonta Club’s program for recognizing the skills and resilience of the women in the San Pedro City jail.

“These bags immediately caught my eye not only because of their style and craftsmanship but because each one carries a unique and powerful story,” Ambassador Jamsran said. “They are stitched with resilience, courage, and hope. This initiative does more than provide economic opportunity—it restores dignity and affirms the value of every woman, regardless of her circumstances.”

Jamsran expressed keen interest in ordering more bags made by the incarcerated women.

As part of Zonta’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment through livelihood programs, the handcrafted bags were chosen as official tokens for members of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly 2025 (WAIPA).

Recipients of the bags included Hon. Safiah Salam (Brunei Darussalam), Hon. Lork Kheng (Cambodia), Hon. Dr. Adde Rosi Khoerunnisa (Indonesia), Hon. Madame Thoummaly Vongphachanh (Lao PDR), Hon. Patsarin Ramwong (Thailand), Hon. Nguyen Thanh Cam (Vietnam), Hon. Maria Grou-Mali Barreto (Timor Leste), and Hon. Dato' Sri Doris Sophia anak Brodi (Malaysia).

Visibly impressed, Jamsran left an encouraging message for the women: "To all the women courageously walking the path of transformation, know that your strength does not go unnoticed. Every stitch is a step forward. You are not defined by your past but by your ability to grow, contribute, and rise. Keep believing in yourselves. The world needs your talent, your resilience, and your voice."

Matibag, who was recently re-elected unopposed, expressed her appreciation for the recognition received by the Zonta Club of Laguna.

"This initiative is a testament to the belief that women—regardless of where they are—can be agents of positive change. We are immensely proud of the women at San Pedro Jail for showing that rehabilitation is not only possible but powerful,” Matibag said. “With the support of global leaders like Ambassador Jamsran, we hope to expand this program and offer even more opportunities for these women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose."

The project exemplifies Zonta’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls.

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