South Cotabato jailbirds start making Christmas decors for sale

KORONADAL CITY - Seventy-one days before Christmas, jailbirds of the South Cotabato Provincial Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCPDRC)have started making Christmas decors and other handicrafts for sale, jail officials and inmates said.ActingProvincial WardenJuan Lanzaderas and head of the SCPDRC said the detainees facing various crimes do not consider themselves unproductive but could earn a living while in jail.As ber months ushered, orders for Christmas decors rise, raising prospects of livelihood for the jailbirds.Anthony Bengil, one of the inmates, said the Christmas decors, like stars and lanterns, were made of indigenous materials with silver dust that could sell from P1,000 to P1,500 a piece. Bengil said income derived from decor-making are sent to their respective families.Most of the orders placed by South Cotabato institutions and department stores were small items like lampshade made of bamboo.Beside Christmas decors, Bengil said they also make small items for giveaways during weddings and special occasions.Interested clients may visit the provincial jail in Koronadal City.