INSIDE the jail, inmates adhere to strict routines while exploring opportunities to earn money through various livelihood projects within the facility, such as rag-making, beaded bag and wallet-making, and furniture display-making.

Among these initiatives, 15 out of the 74 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Dagupan City Jail-Female Dormitory (DCJ-FD) have found new hope and purpose through making “Cherry Balls.”

The project provides a potential source of income while in the detention facility to prepare themselves for reintegration into the society.

The Cherry Balls are not edible sweets, rather, they are essential soft fabric pieces used in the medical field, especially during operations to clean wounds for dialysis patients and for maintaining hygiene.

Jail Chief Inspector Noemi Sabalbro said this initiative was launched on June 18 through a partnership of the BJMP with the Inner Wheel Club of Downtown Dagupan, aiming to provide practical skills and a sustainable livelihood for PDLs.

“We are workers for a company here in Pangasinan. They provided us with these materials to help in the jail. While PDLs are here temporarily, they are earning,” Sabalbro said.

Each box of Cherry Balls is sold for P21 and whatever is sold goes to the PDL that crafted it.

‘Cherry’, not her real name, dreams of turning this newfound skill into a livelihood once she is out of jail.

The Cherry Ball project is a symbol of hope, showing that even in tough situations, people can grow and find a better future. (PIA Pangasinan/JCDR)

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