Tabuk City, Kalinga – “Despite being adjudged by the law as criminals, they are still our constituents,” said Mayor Sacrament Gumilab when asked about his recent visit to some yKalingas imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa last week.
Mayor Gumilab believes that as the inmates serve their sentence for their wrongdoings, they should at least feel they are valued in order for them to walk the better track towards meaningful change.
During the visit, Mayor Gumilab brought with him two priests from the province – Chaplain Roy Onggao and Father Bong Macaiba who celebrated mass for the prisoners.
In his talk to the yKalinga PDLs, Gumilab told the inmates to remain optimistic and reminded them that there is still hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
They should continue to live a meaningful life despite being inside the prison, stressing that their current situation is just temporary as positive things might still happen in the future.
"Though they are inside the prison, they are still our beloved constituents. I hope that our presence eases their longing for home, reinforces their self-confidence, and inspires them to find meaning in life", Gumilab said in an interview.
Gumilab advised the PDLs to follow rules and regulations religiously and take every opportunity to reform themselves to prepare them for a life outside the walls.
“We are always ready to embrace them in our municipality and in our province”, he added.
Mayor Gumilab said he decided to pay the inmates a visit while in Manila trying to seek additional funding for projects and developments which would help in the vision of a “Tongrayan Umunnu-unnoy”.
As recalled, the mayor visited the office of Senator Jose Pimentel Ejercito Jr “Jinggoy Estrada” to ask for some help from the senator.
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