The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City (Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Corrections)
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday inked an agreement with private institutions to launch Project Arts, Crafts and E-Commerce (ARTE) to improve the technical skills of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).
The partners under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DOJ and CIW include Zarah Juan, Mark Bumgarner, Strokes, Halohalo, Zalora, Pinay Girl Boss, Huawei, Smart and Lazada.
In a statement, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said Project ARTE aims to provide PDLs a better quality of life by “upskilling and empowering women PDLs to become more entrepreneurial and capable of navigating e-commerce."
“We are not only empowering them to build better futures for themselves, but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of our society," Gutierrez said.
She thanked the team behind the transformative livelihood program “for their commitment and dedication to a vital cause.”
“Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.”
Under the MOU, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) shall provide facilities for the initial launch of Project ARTE, as well as the selection of qualified PDLs who will become beneficiaries of the project.
The roles and contributions of the program partners or the private corporations include training PDLs to attain long-term means of livelihood, such as bag-making, make-up, designing, arts and entrepreneurship. (PNA)
