Various services for female PWDs pushed

A proposed city ordinance, if and when enacted, would pave the way for the provision of various services for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory (BCJFD).

    Authored by Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon and former Councilor Francisco Roberto Ortega VI, the ordinance shall be known as the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory Comprehensive Program.

    The proposed program shall offer the following services:

     -physical health services such as medical examinations (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction test, X-ray, urinalysis, fecalysis, and electrocardiogram (ECG) and in-house medical services (HIV/AIDs test, Pap smear test, pre-natal and post-natal examination, provision of pneumonia vaccine, and access to medicine);

    -mental health services such as psychological assessment, counseling, medication (if necessary), and mental health awareness activities;

    -drug use prevention, treatment and intervention such as drug abuse prevention education, drug test, intensive out-patient services, in-patient services;

     -education services such as Alternative Learning System, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority courses, and college education;

    -livelihood workshops on hand soap making, face mask making, handicraft, and food and beverage making/preparation, among others; and

-      aftercare and reintegration services such as job placement.

     Additional services may be provided by the implementing office, the City Jail Warden’s Office (Female), as may be deemed necessary. The City Jail Warden’s Office shall collaborate with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Services Office (CHSO) for the implementation of the program.

    The proposed ordinance also seeks to institutionalize the proposed Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory Comprehensive Program. The city mayor, through the BCJFD chief, shall facilitate the said program in coordination with various partners and stakeholders. For this purpose, the mayor shall be authorized to enter into agreements and partnerships with concerned government offices, agencies, institutions, non-government organizations, and private entities.

    A technical working group to be led by the City Jail Warden’s Office, CSWDO, and CHSO shall be formed and tasked to formulate the Implementing Rules and Procedures of the proposed program within 120 days upon the effectivity of the ordinance.

    The ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and has been referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Public Protection and Safety, Peace and Order for review. -Jordan G. Habbiling