Commemorating the 38th Prison Awareness Week

October 20-26, 2025 marked the celebration of the 38th Prison Awareness Week with the theme “Our Merciful God Proclaims Hope for Us Sinners and Restores the Dignity of Persons Deprived of Liberty!” This annual observance reminds the faithful of our shared mission to bring compassion, hope, and restoration to those in detention, our brothers and sisters whom the Lord Himself identified with.

The week began with the Opening Mass on October 20 at the Arzobispado de Manila Chapel in Intramuros, presided over by Most Rev. Leopoldo Jaucian, SVD, DD, Bishop of Bangued, Abra, and concelebrated by Fr. Nezelle Lirio, Executive Secretary of the CBCP-ECPPC, and Fr. Bryan of the Arzobispado de Manila. PRESO, Inc. joined the celebration in solidarity with the Church’s prison ministry, offering prayers and support for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and all those serving in correctional work.

The week culminated on October 26 with the Prison Awareness Sunday Mass and Gawad Paglilingkod Awards at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Oscar Jaime Florencio, DD, Chairman of the CBCP-ECPPC. Among this year’s Gawad Paglilingkod awardees were Atty. Melvin Calimag, PRESO, Inc. Vice President, Bro. Marlon Manaol, Treasurer, and the late Bro. Bong Cala, all recognized for their selfless commitment to the cause of justice, rehabilitation, and human dignity within the country’s jail and prison system.

As Bishop Florencio reminded the faithful, true justice is not only about punishment but also about mercy, compassion, and the opportunity to begin again. PRESO, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to accompany PDLs on their journey of transformation—believing always that God’s mercy is boundless and that every person, no matter their past, deserves hope and restoration.