‘Bayong Hiraya’: Weaving bags with hope
LIVELIHOOD FOR PDLs
BUY a beautifully crafted ‘bayong’ (bag) with the label Bayong Hiraya and help a worthy cause – to support the livelihood of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) being held at the Dagupan City Jail Male Dormitory.
“Bayong Hiraya,” which translates to “bag of hope,” empowers persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with a sense of purpose and dignity by creating and producing creatively designed handcrafted bags.
The initiative began in 2023 with a skills enhancement program led by a skilled bayong producer to help create a livelihood for the PDLs to find fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment inside the correctional facility.
Currently, two PDLs actively producing the unique ‘bayong’ .
“But finding the materials we need to purchase has been challenging. We look for service providers, but if we can’t find any, the jail provides the materials needed,” Jail Officer I Modecel Ramos told an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
‘Bayong Hiraya’ mainly uses hard plastic straps for the delicate crafting and wooden handles with ribbons as accents.
The program’s success grew initially, until Bigbites n’ Brews Coffee Shop on Gonzales Street, Bonuan-Boquig, Dagupan City volunteered to be its main outlet.
The positive response has been overwhelming.
“When people realize that the Bayong Hiraya bags are crafted by PDLs, they no longer question the price purchase them promptly, valuing the story behind each product,” she said.
To inquire or place an order, simply reach out to Jail Officer II Joyce De Guzman or Jail Officer I Ramos at the Dagupan City Jail Male Dormitory, call 0991-550-4848, or visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556677931151&mibextid=ZbWKwL). (PIA Pangasinan/JCDR)
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