Filipina prisoners or persons deprived of liberty (PDL) for certain reasons have admitted they truly enjoyed the recent dance workshop for them organized and jointly sponsored by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Irish Embassy in the Manila.
The dance workshop was held at the Correctional Institution for Women compound in Mandaluyong City. It was personally attended by Irish envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Emma Hickey and Embassyโs Consular head, Naomi McElroy, aside from key DOJ officials.
The joint initiative seeks to help promote health and wellness through the art of Irish dance, and introduce the Irish culture to female inmates, serving as an avenue to strengthen Filipino-Irish international relations.
The DOJ said the activity is in line with the commitment of the Marcos administration to upgrade human rights in the country and improve the welfare of Filipina inmates, including their reintegration into mainstream society.
“This Dance Workshop is a symbol of our collective commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, and a celebration of second chances,” Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said.
Ambassador Emma Hickey, for her part, has expressed elation for being part of the activity. “Iโm delighted to be here with you as I have heard great things about the programs underway at CIW. Thank you for the wonderful welcome you have given my team and I,” she told the eventโs participants.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla thanked the Irish ambassador for the โnoble eventโ aimed at helping โreform sisters behind bars. Your diplomacy speaks volumes; we look forward to more partnerships with Ireland in the near future,” he said.
The dance workshop was supported by
The Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines Inc., a non-profit organization that champions the development of women and youth as full partners in gender equality, expressed full support for the dance workshop project.
