JUNE 30TH, 2007
By TESS UADAN
Last week, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology began to launch at designated jails within National Capital Region (NCR) Prison Fellowship International’s Restorative Justice model, Sycamore Tree Project. This is a joint project of the Inmates Welfare Department, headed by Fr. Bart Sagadal, and Paralegal, by Atty. Roy Valenzuela of the NCR Legal Department.
One of the designated jails is Pasig City Jail. Upon entrance inside the jail, I immediately noticed that the facility is clean. I did not smell any odor usually present in close confines (such as jails). After I was presented to the warden, Col. Nestor Velasquez Sr., he showed me the innovations he has introduced since he has assumed the post six months earlier. At once, I asked for his approval to feature Pasig City Jail. I knew I have to let the world know that we have a clean jail managed by a developmental minded warden.
More on this will appear on the next edition of our online magazine, National Prison Ministries Phils.
JUNE 14TH, 2007
By TESS UADAN
Fatima C.Espenueva, a paralegal volunteer in Mandaluyong City Jail texted me last week about an inmate who died more than a month ago. Her remains has not been claimed as of this writing. She was known as Waray with provincial address at San Pedro Street, Magallanes, Davao City.
Contact Fatima at +639182139412 for the dead’s full name.
JUNE 8TH, 2007
By TESS UADAN
I was so excited to begin “Lead Like Jesus” for those who have participated in the Sycamore Tree Project inside maximum security of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. And this happened last Wednesday, June 6th.
“Lead Like Jesus” is a program of the Center for Faithwalk Leadership. It deals with the Heart, Head, Hands and Habits issues of leadership. Ultimately, its goal is to move people toward servant leadership in the model set by Jesus Christ.
Pray that the combination of Sycamore Tree Project and Lead Like Jesus programs will help participants in their spiritual walk with God.
JUNE 8TH, 2007
By TESS UADAN
The Prison Fellowship International (PFI) convocation (held every four years) is scheduled on July 4-7, 2007 in Toronto, Canada.
I thought I could attend the Convocation this time. But last Tuesday, June 5, I received back my passport with a letter of denial of my application for temporary visa to Canada. The reason cited was my failure to satisfy the Canadian consular affairs officer that I would return to Manila after the Convocation.
What could I say? Sure it was a dream shattered (I had dreamt of participating in a worship celebration with those from other denominations. PFI has about 112 charter members all over the world). I could only rest assured that our God who is Sovereign, Holy, All-knowing and Unchanging has everything under his perfect control.
