CAGAYAN de Oro City — Sports are being used to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) build discipline, teamwork and other skills they can carry beyond the walls of the Davao Oriental Provincial Rehabilitation and Reformatory Center (DOPRRC).
The center launched its month-long Prisoner’s Rehabilitation Month on Oct. 1, featuring basketball, pickleball and other activities designed to support the rehabilitation and eventual reintegration of PDLs into the community.
The activities run through Oct. 25 under the theme, “Healing and Transformation in the Correctional Community: Witnessed to by a Synodal Church, Touched by God’s Infinite Love.”
During the opening program, retired Lt. Col. Rocky C. Migrino and Sr. Eva Marie G. Tabugoc, CSJ, who is in charge of the diocesan prison pastoral care ministry, spoke about rehabilitation, personal change and spiritual transformation.
Provincial Sports Coordinator Peter Paul Vincent C. Chiu told the participants that sports can teach lessons that also apply to life.
“Life, much like sports, is not always about winning,” Chiu said. “There will be defeats, but sports offers an opportunity to rise and learn.”
He said sports can help develop discipline, respect, teamwork and determination—qualities that can help PDLs prepare for life after their release.
The opening also featured a Zumba performance by PDL participants, the presentation of dormitory teams and an oath of sportsmanship led by Mazer Blaise Porticos.
Basketball and pickleball competitions followed the ceremonial ball toss, with dormitory teams taking part in the opening matches.
Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who also serves as acting warden of the DOPRRC, reaffirmed the provincial government's support for rehabilitation and skills development programs.
The activities aim to promote physical wellness, emotional discipline and positive interaction while giving PDLs opportunities to develop skills and habits that can support their return to the community.
