In a bid to make a difference to the lives of those serving time at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),Visayan Electric, Aboitiz Foundation, and Paknaanon Multipurpose Cooperative are giving livelihood opportunities to persons deprived of liberty (PDL), through the Byaheng Digiskarte Project.
This initiative provides training and materials for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to create bags and purses from recyclable materials, offering them a chance to earn income and support their families.
Byaheng Digiskarte empowers PDLs by teaching them valuable skills and helping them market their products digitally. The income generated is divided between supporting the jail facility and the craft makers, giving PDLs an opportunity to contribute to their families’ well-being.
BJMP Cebu City Jail Superintendent Gregorio Acacio expressed gratitude for the project’s support, highlighting how it breaks down the stigma surrounding PDLs. By embracing this initiative, Visayan Electric, Aboitiz Foundation, and Paknaanon Multipurpose Cooperative are providing PDLs with a chance to rebuild their lives and make a positive impact.
Also present during the contract signing were Aboitiz Foundation President and COO, Maribeth Marasigan; Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. First Vice President and Chief Reputation & Sustainability Officer, Ginggay Hontiveros; Visayan Electric Reputation Enhancement Head, Quennie Bronce; and Paknaanon Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman, Alberto Bongo.
To kick-off the project, an initial order of 300 pouches and 200 bayongs has been made, which will serve as one of the giveaways to the delegates of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) III meeting on July 27 to 30.
Visayan Electric takes pride in its vast Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that aim to uplift the lives of Cebuanos.
Just last month, the distribution firm also launched the Elevate AIDA project wherein 40 mothers were trained for 15 days in digital annotation to equip them with the necessary skills for remote-work opportunities. The said project was successfully concluded last week with 95% of the beneficiaries completing the program and are now ready for remote/online work.
