By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – This Christmas season, the “Kariton ng Paghilom” initiative is bringing hope and new beginnings to families of two persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Metro Bacolod District Jail – Male Dormitory (MBDJ) in Barangay Handumanan.
“Paghilom,” which means “healing” in Hiligaynon, reflects the program’s goal of providing support and solace to families in need.
The first beneficiary of a food cart was 32-year-old Analyn Salon from Barangay 16, a nail technician and laundry worker. Salon became the sole provider for her three children after her husband was incarcerated over a year ago.
Her youngest child, a four-year-old boy, is battling congenital heart failure, adding to her challenges.
“This will be a big help for me and my children,” Salon said in an interview. She hopes the food cart will allow her to earn more to cover her son’s medical needs and send her other children to school.
Another recipient, 64-year-old fisherwoman Genoveva Corter from Barangay 10, also received a food cart to help her support 19 family members, including her four children and her husband, who is in jail.
Among Corter’s children, her eldest is undergoing dialysis twice weekly for end-stage renal disease, while two others live with mental disabilities.
Despite these difficulties, Corter remains steadfast in caring for her family, with the food cart serving as a much-needed lifeline.
Chief Supt. Simeon Dolojo Jr., BJMP-6 director, and Supt. Norberto Miciano Jr., district jail warden, led the turnover of the food carts to the beneficiaries during a ceremony at the jail facility on Dec. 11.
Supported by various sponsors, the project is described by BJMP-6 as “more than just a cart.” It represents hope, healing, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s commitment to aiding vulnerable members of the community.
This Christmas season, the project serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference, bringing light and warmth to those in need. (Photos courtesy of MBDJ-Handumanan Male Dormitory/Adrian Prietos)
