DOJ wives hold new medical mission at Bilibid

Fulfilling a commitment they made, officials and members of Department of Justice (DOJ) Ladies Circle returned to the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) yesterday and conducted another medical-dental mission for the inmates.

The organization, made up of wives of justice officials headed by Dr. Pacita Gonzalez, provided free medical assistance to some 6,000 inmates at the medium security compound of the national penitentiary.

A similar program was conducted at the maximum security compound last April.

The DOJ Ladies Circle was joined by an eight-man team from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), led by Dr. Feliciana Lagrido, that provided checkups and medicines for needy patients.

"When my husband took office at DOJ, I really thought of a way to help him out in the department. And as a doctor and former elected official myself, a medical-dental mission for our needy inmates here at NBP first came to mind," said Gonzalez, whose husband Raul holds the top post at the DOJ.

She also offered words of inspiration to inmates. "Let me be your mother. We are here to help lessen the burdens you have in life."

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Vicente Vinarao welcomed the organization’s project, which he said was a big help to his office in terms of addressing the medical needs of inmates at the national penitentiary.

The 18,000 inmates depend on only 13 doctors at the prison hospital.

"Our resources are really limited. That is why we appreciate the efforts of Dra. Gonzalez," Vinarao said.

The DOJ Ladies Circle has also put up a multi-faith prayer center at the visitation area of the compound. Gonzalez said they would donate ceiling fans for use at the reception area.

She also revealed plans to solicit funds from businessmen for the establishment of new dormitories to reduce congestion at the NBP.

"Napansin naming maraming may galis at nagkakahawaan dahil masikip nga. Kaawa-awa talaga ang lagay nung iba at hindi naman kaya ng gobyerno na gumawa ng bagong dorms," she said.

Vinarao, for his part, said they are putting up call centers at the NBP and penal colonies so inmates can each enjoy 10-minute free calls to their relatives in the provinces.

"We want to give inmates the chance to communicate with their relatives because we know how important it is for them to keep that bond," the BuCor chief said.

With the cooperation of PLDT, Vinarao said, they were able set up 10 landlines at the maximum security compound, five at the medium security compound, and three at minimum security compound.

Vinarao has also been granting overnight conjugal visits to inmates twice a month, which he said was a very important aspect of rehabilitation.