TACLOBAN CITY — Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte along with residents of government-run care facilities, will now have access to livelihood support under a new reintegration program launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The initiative, implemented through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aims to provide skills training, start-up capital, and capability-building activities to help beneficiaries develop income sources while inside the facility and after their release.
The program is part of its broader strategy to promote rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of reoffending by strengthening the economic capacity of participants.
It is being carried out in partnership with the Leyte Regional Prison, with officials emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts in implementing livelihood activities within a secure correctional environment.
Acting Deputy Superintendent for Reformation Corrections Officer 2 Noli Ann Billo said sustained inter-agency cooperation is essential to ensure continuous support for rehabilitation programs and successful reintegration into society.
Program discussions also tackled security protocols, access to training materials, and mechanisms to ensure that assistance continues even after PDLs complete their sentences.
Officials said the initiative builds on preparatory activities conducted from 2024 to 2025, including consultations, agreements, and facility inspections, which paved the way for its rollout this year.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
