Moving on to a Pathway of Hope: Stories of Female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in the Philippines is responsible for developing plans, programs, and policies to effectively implement rehabilitation programs for all inmates nationwide. It also collaborates with other government and private organizations to support these programs. The primary goal is to improve the well-being of inmates and prepare them for successful reintegration into society after their release while ensuring humane treatment for all inmates, regardless of their backgrounds and gender.  This research study aimed to understand the experiences of female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) within the rehabilitation program through a qualitative research method. The informants of this study were ten (10) resides at the Cebu City Jail Female Dormitory (CCJFD)situated at Barangay Kalunasan Cebu City, Philippines. Four (4) informants were subjected to an in-depth interview and six (6) informants for the Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The findings of this study are articulated in emergent themes. Six (6) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants on the rehabilitation program. For the positive experiences, three (3) emergent themes were developed, namely: Jailhouse Jukebox, Cellmate for Change, and From Cell to Success: Skills, Swag, and Savings. For the negative experiences, three (3) emergent themes were also developed, to wit: Behind Bars, Beyond Reach, From Fear to Freedom, and Behind Closed Doors: LGBTQ+ Isolation. Meanwhile, two (2) emergent themes were formulated to explain the informants’ coping with the challenges encountered during their rehabilitation program, namely: Faith, Friend and Books: A Prison Survival Kit and Finding a Safe Haven: The Power of Community. Finally, two (2) emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of the informants to improve their lives, to wit: Mastering Time & Chasing Dreams and Unlocking Potential: Diplomas, Discipline, and Divine Connection. This research underscores the importance of prioritizing mental and physical well-being for female Persons Deprive of Liberty (PDL). Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) should prioritize rest, advocate for flexible schedules, and seek support from the jail staff or peers. The Cebu City Jail Female Dormitory (CCJFD) must facilitate this by implementing rest periods, offering flexible schedules, and providing mental health services while ensuring an inclusive environment. Rehabilitation program implementers should tailor programs to individual needs, integrate mental health support, and foster social interaction. Continuous program evaluation and sufficient resource allocation are crucial for successful rehabilitation and reintegration.