BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — The Mountain Province District Jail (MPDJ) was hailed as the Best District Jail of the Year during the 34th Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Cordillera Administrative Region (BJMP-CAR) Regional Anniversary Celebration held in Baguio City on September 2, 2025.
Jail Warden JSINSP John S. Melecio said the recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of both personnel and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), especially through their innovative livelihood programs.
One of MPDJ’s standout initiatives is the “One Jail, One Product” program, which provides PDLs with opportunities to engage in meaningful work such as crafting indigenous musical instruments like tambu or solibao, making frames and clocks, and venturing into mug and t-shirt printing, among others. These products not only highlight the skills and creativity of PDLs but also serve as a source of income for them and their families.
“We are concentrating on giving livelihood activities to the PDLs so that while they are here inside the facility, they are earning for their families. I think that is one of the reasons why we received the award,” Melecio said.
He further stressed the importance of these initiatives in improving the well-being of PDLs: “For them not to be bored, let’s give them livelihood activities—at least they are earning for themselves and for their families.”
In addition to MPDJ’s feat, BJMP-CAR also brought pride to the region after being recognized as the Best Performing Region of the Year at the national level, underscoring its commitment to excellence and service. **VJLT/CKI – PIA-CAR, Mountain Province
