MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday took pride as she led in promoting the handcrafted bags made by women - Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) particularly from the City Jail Female Dormitory (CJFD).
Belmonte also hailed the partnership between the local government and Solaire Resort North, located in Barangay Pag-asa, also in the city, where the bags made by PDLs were being showcased.
“The initiative opens new doors for women from CJFD, giving their products prime exposure in a high-end commercial space and connecting them to a wider market,” she said.
Led by CJFD in collaboration with the city’s Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDP) and Quezon City University, the project transforms skill and creativity into real economic opportunity, according to the local government.
Since launching, the partnership has already generated over ₱100,000 in sales as of February 2026—directly supporting participating PDLs and their families, the SBCDP said.
The city chief executive cited the impact of the initiative, which aligns with the city’s ‘No Woman Left Behind’ program.
“This is what second chances look like. By bringing their craftsmanship to a wider audience, we are helping women rebuild their confidence, support their families, and prepare for life beyond detention,” Belmonte said.
More than a showcase, the partnership is a powerful statement on inclusion, dignity, and hope—proving that with the right opportunities, lives can be rebuilt and futures reimagined, the city government said.
She stressed that the city continues to champion innovative pathways for rehabilitation, empowering even the most vulnerable sectors to thrive.
