By Christian John Calimbas, ACTS, with input from AS-HRDD

Developing its first Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Administrative Service-Human Resource Development Division (AS-HRDD) introduced the Abot-Kamay program—an avenue for the DBM community to give back and promote charity beyond our usual day-to-day duty. For its initial outreach program, the AS-HRDD visited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mandaluyong City Jail Female Dormitory last May 30, 2025, to interact, connect, and give in-kind goods, purchased items, and cash donations to 67 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Addressing the DBM Community, the AS-HRDD wrote, “This program truly embodies the spirit of community and selfless service—bringing hope, compassion, and meaningful connection to those in need. Your unwavering commitment and generous hearts have touched lives profoundly, reminding us of the power of empathy and shared humanity.”

Prior to this visit, a donation drive was conducted at the DBM Central Office from May 19-29, 2025, for the essential needs of women PDLs such as sanitary pads, soap bars, toothpaste, shampoo, powder detergent, and toothbrushes. Meanwhile, cash contributions reached Php 18,122.00, which was later used to purchase the above-mentioned items.

Empathy and Support

 During the activity, 21 volunteers and organizers from the DBM community participated and interacted with the PDLs—learning stories from each other and sharing a glimpse of their everyday lives.

One of the volunteers, Marie Mae Mislang from the Office of the Secretary-Department Liaison Unit, shared that “visiting the PDLs was a meaningful and eye-opening experience for me. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges they face, not only in terms of their legal circumstances but also in their emotional and psychological well-being."

The half-day visit focused on gift-giving and fun-filled activities. The BJMP also organized a tour to showcase the livelihood products of PDLs, their skill-building program, and the institution’s health facilities.

“My biggest takeaway is the powerful role that empathy and consistent support can play in rehabilitation. Engaging with PDLs isn’t just about fulfilling a duty. It's about helping, restoring hope and aiding in their reintegration into society," Mislang said.

‘You are seen and heard’

Aiming to empower PDLs, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman made a visit to the BJMP Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City last May 14, 2025.

Together with SPARK! Philippines and other DBM Senior Officials, Secretary Pangandaman distributed 10,000 sanitary pads and took time to learn about the everyday realities of these women—assuring them that they matter and that sustainable and inclusive reforms include PDLs.

“To every woman, in and outside those prison gates, I want you to know that you are seen, heard, and realize that you matter," Secretary Pangandaman wrote in her official Facebook page.