From left to right BJC Micah Paras, Auditor Jenny Santos, JCI Angeles City Culiat President Russel Tan, PPJ SO1 Allain, VP for Community Cai Bravo and Project Chairman BJC Ruth Cunanan
As part of its “Beyond Prison Walls” program, JCI Angeles City Culiat launched “E-Konek: Bars are not barriers, online dalaw” by providing 5 computer units to the Pampanga Provincial Jail (PPJ) last June 26, 2021.
Inspired by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology “E-Dalaw Program”, the project aims to address the difficulty faced by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the face of the ongoing pandemic crisis in terms of personal visitations.
“As precautionary measures on the spread of Covid-19, family visits in detention facilities have been suspended since the pandemic hit the country in March 2020.The organization finds another alternative way to provide the psychological and emotional needs of our PDLs through this Online Dalaw,” explained Ruth Cunanan, project head.
This project will allow PDLs to connect with their loved ones through digital means like video calls.
“With the community quarantine and social distancing in effect, many families are unable to get together and keep one another company. This is particularly disheartening for the PDLs, as one of the few little things they look forward to is a visit from their loved ones. Through this project they will be able to maintain that significant and nourishing connection,” added Cunanan.
With the support of Culiat’s partner companies – Savers Group of Holdings, Savers Electronic World Inc. Sharp,LG Philippines, House of Chops, KID2 Corporation & Q-Check — this is one of the many projects the organization has in store in terms of addressing the pandemic.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide organization of young active citizens that creates developmental opportunities that empower young people to create positive change through engaging in various activities and projects that cultivate its community, individual, business and International opportunities.