ACPW abolished, new Prison Ministry aims to boost services

Inmates of the different jails in Davao including that of the Island Garden City of Samal could expect a better, more coordinated and more services with the new organization of the prison ministry of the Archdiocese of Davao.

The Prison Ministry, organized on January 22, 2009 as the Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Welfare (ACPW) was abolished through the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council as approved by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. last May 16, 2019.

Without altering its Vision, “A God-centered community where gospel values of FAITH, HOPE, LOVE and RESPECT of human dignity is fostered and lived with its mission, that states,” We are committed Christians collaborating to share GOD’s love and compassion by building a community of people in the jail who are self-reliant, faithful and dignified; to help bring CHRIST to the abandoned and neglected inmates; to facilitate activities that will help, appreciate, develop and strengthen the inmates’ talents, skills and capabilities,” the new ministry will now be called as DAVAO ARCHDIOCESAN PRISON MINISTRY ( DAPM or DAPMIN).

Previously headed by a lay person, DAPM or DAPMIN will now be headed by its chaplain, in the person of REV. FR. ORLANDO A. BORRES, SDB with appointed core group members, as approved by Archbishop Valles, as follows: Manuel Z. Escuadro, Reynaldo T. Barbas, Ma. Cristina Z. Gaceta, Mariles C. Rafael, Estrella N. Nagac, Elvira P. Salud, Joselito M. Salud and Marian Carmela V. Raquel.

In the monthly radio program dubbed as Kristohanong Kalambuan alang sa Kalinaw (KKK) over DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM, it was explained that the Archbishop would like to have his presence felt always and close to the inmates as represented by its chaplain, Fr. Orlando Borres.

Fr. Borres also explained that the prison ministry shall continue its program of activities under the new organization and welcomes new and other service providers.

However, he is urging all other Catholic service providers with or without Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to coordinate with the him or with whoever chaplain appointed by the Archbishop, “para mas maganda yung communication at saka alam nila in a way ang lahat ng palakad na ating gagawin, at saka malalaman din natin kung sino-sino yung mga tao na nag-vovolunteer. At the same time, meron tayong mga connections na kung mayroon silang mga activities, baka makatulong tayo sa kanila kagaya ng mga liturgical services o mga sacraments. Mas maganda na they will coordinate with me para we can provide better services.”

Among the services being provided by the prison ministry are the following: Spiritual Formation through catechism by various groups, Sunday masses, First Friday mass and confession, retreats, Health Services through medical and dental clinics, supply of needed medicines, Basic Education support to inmates and to indigent children of inmates, educational tools and supplies, training, financial support, support to Families of inmates- financial, material, medical and hospitalization including Sports Activities for Inmates – purchase of needed tools/balls, other tournament needs, prizes and livelihood.

Ongoing projects for livelihood are supply of materials such as tarp tubes for piggy banks, straw bags n wallets, give advice and support in marketing of products, Christmas Wish Lists, Feeding Programs, Para Legal – follow up on cases, settlement with accusers, bail money, counseling visitations.

They also provide assistance to newly released PDLs: clothes, fare money, monetary baon, look for jobs for them, assistance in getting documents and clearances for employment; at times give temporary board n lodging.

It is a “Ministry of Presence” to make PDLs feel that God is remembers n loves them. Areas covered starting 2017: Jails in DADITAMA region in addition to Davao City Jails: IGACOS, Digos City, Panabo City, Tagum City, Montevista, Davao Penal Farm. Not yet visited Mati City Jail.