PRESERVATION. Parolees and probationers participate in a clean-up drive of a lighthouse in Catbalogan City, Samar, in this April 23, 2024 photo. Thousands of probationers and parolees will help preserve heritage sites in the Eastern Visayas region as part of the government’s initiative to help them transition back into society. (Photo courtesy of Catbalogan City information office)
TACLOBAN CITY – An initial 360 parolees and probationers will help preserve heritage sites in the Eastern Visayas region as part of the government’s initiative to help them transition back into society.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said several heritage and historical sites were chosen in collaboration with the concerned local tourism officers for maintenance by probationers and parolees.
“Clients render monthly community service by helping maintain the cleanliness of our historical and heritage sites. Through this, we are doing our responsibility to help our fellowmen, our brothers and sisters, who are now in their transition,” Tiopes said.
The initial parolees and probationers were identified out of the 5,000 clients of the Department of Justice - Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) in various provinces of the region.
Probation is a privilege granted by the court to a person convicted of a criminal offense to remain in the community instead of actually going to prison.
Parole, on the other hand, is the conditional release of prisoners before the full completion of their sentence.
Aside from the tourism department and DOJ-PPA, also involved is the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) where the agency enlists parolees and probationers in the cash-for-work program.
The three agencies signed the agreement in this city on April 23 to implement the “Adopt a Heritage Site” project.
The DOT helped identify the tourism sites, provided uniforms for the participants, and quad-media exposure for the project.
This special project mobilizes probationers and parolees to render community work services at identified heritage sites or tourist destinations in their areas under the supervision of 12 Parole and Probation Offices in the region, according to Ma. Beverly Ampo, officer-in-charge of the DOJ-PPA regional office here.
“Through collaboration and innovation, DOJ-PPA, DOLE, and DOT are leading the way in fostering positive change and environmental stewardship,” Ampo said.
The project focused on improving five areas of change, including behavior management, emotional and psychological well-being, intellectual and cognitive abilities, spiritual growth, and vocational skills. (with reports from Eljon C. Manzanes, OJT/PNA)
