The Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Chiro Youth Movement and the KASAMA/SSC School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Assembly, with 20 volunteers, commenced a program that gives the light of hope through a purposeful jail visit entitled KAKADWA: Upholding the Spirit of Solidarity and Unveiling Artistic Nature through Jail Visitation and Fellowship on the First Sunday of the Advent held 03 December 2023 at the Benguet Provincial Jail, La Trinidad, Benguet.
The activity aimed to educate students about the challenges faced by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Benguet, allowing them to understand the legal system and their stories. The program aimed to improve the spiritual, social, and emotional well-being of PDLs and inspire volunteers to become active advocates for their rights.
The day event started with registration and a brief reiteration of dos and don’ts to create a respectful and meaningful engagement atmosphere. Prior to the jail visit, the activity organizing team led by Mr. Elijah Robin Luna, leader of SLU Chiro Youth Movement, with the programs of activities which had preparatory orientations conducted to equip participants with the necessary information and guidance. The participants embarked on a journey from the University to the Benguet Provincial Jail, fostering solidarity and synodality.
The first program for this event is the opening prayer led by Ms. Adriana Lleno – Spiritual Committee Head of SLU Chiro Youth Movement, lessened the hesitations and shyness in the environment, building a warm and welcoming ambiance for the activity.
The master of ceremonies of the day – Ms. Asia Ysabel Castro and Ms. Ma. Kyle Giechelle Balleras, gave a systematic overview of the program. The introductions from the collaborating organizations represented by Mr. Dandreb Justiniane and Ms. Shaniah Jean Balagsa followed immediately, offering a comprehensive understanding of the organizations, their identities, missions, and values.
The SLU Chiro Youth Movement organized the activities, as they kicked off the event with unique self-introductions, prompting PDLs to guess their names and fostering a joyful atmosphere and with the SSC-STELA officers, led lively games activities which gave the PDLs happiness. The event transitioned to meaningful dialogues as PDLs shared life stories in small groups, prompting understanding and gratitude toward volunteers to strengthen connections that emphasized inclusivity. Therefore, the gathering successfully blended fun activities done by SLU Chiro Youth Movement and SSC-STELA volunteers with sincere moments of connection and appreciation.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from representatives of collaborating organizations, including Ms. Christine Marie C. Kee from SLU and Mr. Audie S. Masweng, a prison guard in the BJMP. They emphasized their delight in participating, highlighted the enduring light of hope and expressed appreciation for the support that the PDLs from Benguet Provincial Jail received.
The jail visit program aims at the CICM advocacies within the facility that promotes justice, peace and integrity of creation. Additionally, it shows the challenged stereotypes fostered mutual respect, and revealed the interconnectedness of justice with personal stories, with the interactions that PDLs showcased the resonance of resilience with the incorporation of environmental and disaster management principles in rehabilitation. The visit exemplified the intimate connections between CICM advocacies and humanity’s diversity.
