City jail bakeshop open for business

BAGUIO CITY – Craving for some bread and pastries?  Then place your order now at the city jail bake shop.

The city jail female dorm has a thriving bakery managed by some of its inmates who bake three times a week and accept orders from the public.  They formed themselves into a cooperative called the Baguio City Jail-Female Dorm Inmates Association (BCJFDIA).

Female dorm warden April Rose Ayangwa said the idea of a bakery came from the PDLs themselves some of whom were knowledgeable in the culinary art of baking.

It was begun about two years ago but was formally launched earlier this year with a showcase area that had to be temporarily closed due to repairs.

They asked the assistance of the Daughters of Mary Institute, one of the jail’s service providers, who helped get funding from the Department of Labor and Employment regional office.  The funds were used to buy the necessary equipment and materials to start the enterprise.

With the support of the city government led by Mayor Maurico Domogan, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority thru the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades provided the necessary NCII training for free in order that the baked goods are made properly and the business is managed professionally.

Ayangwa said that personnel of the health department regularly conducts sanitation inspections including seminars at the city jail to ensure that the products sold are handled  well and safe for public consumption. 

Proceeds of the bake shop are given as dividends to the BCJFDAI members who are also awarded “good conduct” incentives and “time allowance” as bakers.

A member said that the business has helped her financially, taught her how to bake and eased her bouts of loneliness and depression in jail.

The reasonably-priced delicacies include pandesal, ham and cheese sandwiches, Spanish bread, cassava cake, banana cake, carrot cake and other pastries.  Those who would like to place an order can call (074) 442-2851 or 619-2764.- Gaby Keith