It’s all about valuing things which you do not want to value or you never value at all but in the end as you deeply discover the worthiness of all those things, no matter how small it is, there is that something you should need to value – that is, more than what you simply know about things in prison, for even the ugliest women on earth, still, we can say beauty is always in them if one only knows how to value and appreciate their nature of being a woman.
It only means that behind the walls of prison, there are potent but helpless people whose very needs are the same as other people’s needs. No other than respect and dignity as human being are all that they want. Let us give them the benefit of caring and loving instead of stigmatizing them. “Bilanggo man na ituring ay may likas na respeto at dangal din na tulad natin.”
The musical rendition and a showdown of talents and skills by the Davao City Jail and Davao City Female Jail inmates that had won thousand hearts of Davaoeños is more than just a “Jail Break Concert.” It was a concert of giving importance and valuing our brothers and sisters behind bars by making use of their talents and skills in preparation for their eventual reintegration to the society upon their release.
It only goes to show that, within the high walls of Davao City Jail facility, inmates have many fruitful things to do as compared to some people outside whose only doing is to kill time and waste effort.
Perhaps no one could ever believe that night of April 4, 2009 at the crowded CAP auditorium, within the heart of Davao City, when the detainees dramatically started to unfold their presentation. Perhaps, spectators have that feeling of curiosity rather than excitement with doubts on their minds as how they can perform it to satisfy their audience. But in the end they find it very exciting, entertaining and a breathtaking show. At the ticket price of P500.00 each, they never regretted their stay during the entire show.
For spectators, it was indeed a fulfilling experience. It was the first of a kind musical concert of detainees in the Philippine history performed outside the jail premises. The Jail Break Concert was even featured in the local newspapers like Sun Star newspaper and also broadcasted by the ABS-CBN program “Bandila” on April 6, 2009, for further reference please search at yahoo – Jailbreak Concert Bandila.
The idea was conceptualized to unleash the skills and talents of inmates to raise funds for improvements of various programs of Davao City Jail. To be transparent, the concert was able to raise an estimated net income of about P700,000.00 excluding the sales on Audio CDs which are still available on the market due to persistent demands of the public.
Of course, had not it been for the untiring support of generous sponsors, this concert would not be possible. Words are not enough to convey our gratitude to the Archdiocesan Commission for Prison Welfare (ACPW) of Davao City. Special mention is conveyed to the Marist Fathers and Brothers, Marist Sisters, Couples for Christ and Handmaid of the Lord. Likewise, the same is conveyed to the City Government of Davao, NCCC Davao City and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Now, our talented inmates are always there to be invited by our generous sponsors for another noble venture. How I wish inmates of Davao City Jail would one day showcase their talents in the ABS-CBN TV sitcom “Wowowee” as other entertainers do.
We don’t let our inmates stay futile while in jail. There are many things to develop in them in order to be more productive citizen of our society. This is our calling, our passion, and our mission. We will never get tired of doing things for their welfare. THIS IS HOW WE VALUE THEM!
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