Programs for persons deprived of liberty proposed

The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance institutionalizing a comprehensive program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Baguio City Jail female dormitory, providing funds and for other purposes.

Under the said proposal, the city government recognizes the rights of every woman deprived of liberty and considering they are one of the vulnerable groups that have specific needs and requirements, it shall provide necessary services and programs to promote their general welfare.

Further, the ordinance shall apply to all PDLs housed at the Baguio City Jail female dormitory.

The ordinance stipulated that the City mayor through the wardens, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWO), the City Health Services Office (CHSO) among others shall institutionalize and facilitate the Baguio City Jail female dormitory compressive program in coordination with relevant partners and stakeholders.

For the said purpose, the City Mayor will be authorized to enter into agreements and partnerships with concerned government offices or institutions, non-government organizations, private entities, and other similar organizations or associations in furtherance of the proposed measure.

According to the ordinance, the Baguio City Jail female dormitory comprehensive program shall include, but not limited to, physical health services, mental health care services, drug use prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, education, livelihood and after care and re-integration.

The ordinance tasked the Baguio City Jail female dorm warden’s office, in coordination with the CSWO and the CHSO to ensure the full implementation of the aforesaid program.

Within 120 days upon the effectiveness of the ordinance, the concerned offices shall lead the creation of a technical working group to formulate the implementing rules and procedures on the proposed measure.

The ordinance provides that the city government shall include in its annual budget any amount as may be necessary for the effective implementation of the pertinent provisions of the measure.

Subsequently, the required funds for the implementation of the said comprehensive program shall be taken from the 5 percent of the annual budget appropriated to finance the gender and development plans, projects, and programs of the city. – Dexter A. See