CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government vowed to give philhealth cards and livelihood to the detainees of the pampanga provincial jail (PPJ) and scholarship grants to their children in addition to the newly constructed P25 million jail extension.
Gov. Lilia Pineda who led the opening of the new building said her administration is considering the condition and needs of every sector in the province including those who are in conflict with the law.
In her message to them, the governor vowed to give health insurance to the inmates through Philhealth enrollment aside from regular medical and dental mission conducted in the PPJ.
“The provincial government’s top priority is health, though you are detainees it doesn’t mean you are not beneficiaries of the programs of the administration,” she told them
Further, the governor through provincial cooperative and entrepreneurial development office (PCEDO) is considering livelihood programs for the inmates. Pineda said she is aware of the possibility of discrimination to the inmates once they were acquitted, released or pardoned.
“I know many of you will experience hard times finding jobs when freed. The provincial government will give you trainings on different livelihoods so you can generate income on your own,” Pineda said.
She also presented to them the education financial assistance program of the province and is willing to grant scholarship to their children.
Cherry Tamayo and Sosimo Guiray, inmates at the provincial jail said the action of the provincial government to help them and their families is a manifestation of a fair leadership.
“Nararamdaman naming yung pagsisikap ni Gov. Pineda na tulungan kaming makapagbagong buhay. Kahit nakakulong kami hindi niya ipinagkait sa amin yung mga serbisyo ng gubyerno. Hindi pu siya mapanghusgang tao. Maraming salamat po Nanay (Gov. Pineda), “ they said.
BY JENNA LUMBANG
