NBP inmates to learn car repair

Bilibid inmates at your service.

Inmates at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) would soon be glad to be at your service.

The Department of Justice has ordered officials at the national penitentiary to expand their livelihood programs for inmates by including automotive repair.

NBP public information chief Emmy Divina said the justice department wants to utilize inmates in helping boost the recovering economy of the country.

"Of course, the inmates would also benefit from the program as they do in the other programs," Divina said in an interview with The STAR.

She said the program, since its inception decades ago, has always been aimed at developing capabilities of citizens behind bars while giving them opportunities to earn.

"This has been consistent with the primary goal of prison, which is reformation and human development," Divina added.

There are mechanical, electrical and other non-formal and technical education programs currently offered for qualified inmates at the national penitentiary.

Some of the courses offered by NBP general services division are refrigerator, television and aircon repair, building construction and training in laundry services, Divina pointed out.

Last December, handicraft products made by the inmates were showcased and sold.

Divina noted that officials and employees of the NBP often make the purchases.

"In fact, we regularly hire inmates to do our laundry and repair the aircon and other electrical equipment," she added.

Livelihood programs have long been part of NBP.

"We are just expanding the program patterned after those in Japan and Hong Kong," Divina said.

She said they are also considering putting up repair shops in their territories once the extension project proves to be successful. – Edu Punay