PRESO, Inc. joins the 31st National Correctional Consciousness Week

In celebration of the 31st National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW), held from October 20–26, 2025, the Prisoners Enhancement and Support Organization, Inc. (PRESO, Inc.) joined the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and other partners in various activities across NCR jails to remember, serve, and stand in solidarity with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This annual observance, declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 551, reminds us that correctional service is not only about security, it is also about compassion, restoration, and hope.

The NACOCOW commemoration began with heartfelt outreach activities even before NACOCOW officially opened. On October 16, PRESO, Inc., through the generosity of PRESO Member, Atty. Eirene Aguila, former Gov. Ted Baquilat, and paralegal Amy Alvetruz, donated two Apple tablets and 200 bath soaps to the Malabon City Jail Male and Female Dorms. The tablets will be used for E-dalaw and online court hearings. These small but meaningful tools shall help PDLs stay connected with their families and pursue justice. The following day, October 17, the team visited Mandaluyong City Jail Male Dorm, where they shared simple donations and engaged in a fruitful exchange with Warden Dave Jambalos about the needs and welfare of the PDLs.

NACOCOW officially opened on October 20 with the BJMP Valenzuela City Jail’s 1st Gawad Parangal at Pagkilala 2025, which honored outstanding jail officers, partners, and stakeholders. PRESO, Inc. was proud to stand alongside other service providers in support of the Bureau’s continuing commitment to “Matatag na Paglilingkod, Makabagong Pamamaraan, Maunlad na Serbisyong Pampiitan.”

The celebration continued on October 22 with a touching feeding activity at the Quezon City Jail Male Dorm, where PRESO Board Member Bro. Marlon Manaol and past presidents from the Rotary Club reached out to 87 elderly PDLs, many of whom have long awaited their freedom. Likewise, Pasay City Jail Male Dorm conducted a feeding activity on the same day where PRESO contributed a modest amount together with other service providers.

On October 23, the outreach spirit continued at Parañaque City Jail Male and Female Dorms, where friends of Atty. Aguila from the ML Party-list generously donated another two tablets and 400 bath soaps, gratefully received by Wardens Angelina Ibañez and Joey Genecera.

The week concluded with a moving visit to Selda Sesenta at Manila City Jail on October 24, home to nearly 100 elderly and visitorless PDLs. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Randy Manaloto and the Knights of Columbus (Luzon State), PRESO distributed food packs, soaps, and face masks, spreading the message of hope and compassion that defines this year’s theme. The Manila City Jail Male Dorm likewise gave recognition to PRESO, Inc. and the BANDILA Aftercare Program during a Service Providers Recognition ceremony the same day.

As we mark NACOCOW 2025, may we be reminded that behind bars are people still deserving of dignity, compassion, and second chances. Let us remember and pray for those whom society has despised but whom the Lord identified Himself with: “I was in prison and you visited Me.” (Matthew 25:36)