In the busy room filled with threads, beads, cloth, raw and production materials, women at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City are creating more than just crafts. They are skilfully weaving new opportunities, embracing self-worth, and instilling hope with their creations—one handcrafted product at a time.
A staunch advocate of open and inclusive governance, the Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) is poised to expand the scope of its Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (CSE) list through the inclusion of handcrafted products made by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the CIW, a penal institution designated for female offenders.
Led by Executive Director (ED) Atty. Genmaries S. Entredicho-Caong, the PS-DBM Executive Committee members—Deputy ED Philip Josef T. Vera Cruz, Deputy ED Rommel D. Rivera, Director Samantha Grace Moscoso, Acting Director April F. Borlagdatan-Vejano, Industry Development and Management Division heads James Gabilo and Jessica Gapuz, and Marketing and Sales Division chief Omar Bernal—visited the CIW in July 2025 to initiate the groundwork for this transformative partnership.
This initiative aligns with the guiding principles of Republic Act 12009, otherwise known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA). Under the new procurement law, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and inclusivity, among other key development areas, are prioritized, with DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman leading the way.
A symbolic handshake: PS-DBM supports CIW’s livelihood program—one that thrives and reforms lives
The CIW, under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), is recognized as a gender-sensitive correctional facility with robust programs for rehabilitation. One of its flagship initiatives is a livelihood program which equips women PDLs with skills in crafting, decorating, weaving, and entrepreneurship.
Through this, PDLs in various facilities are immersed in crafting accessories like key chains, decorations, bags, souvenir items, and other art-inclined products using diverse materials such as beads, recycled sacks, cloths, and similar raw materials. From customized items to statement ornaments with festive decorations, these creations go beyond their visual appeal, as they also tell stories of resilience and hope.
According to CIW, ninety-percent (90%) of the profits from the sales of the products are given to the PDLs and their families, a manifestation of its empowering support for their future beyond bars.
To push forward the initiative, a follow-through meeting was conducted later in the same month. This time, it was PS-DBM that hosted CIW officers in a facility tour, namely, C/TSupt Marjorie Ann Sanidad, C/SInsp Marlyn Sulpot, CO1 Janice B Resaba, CO1 Aguinaldo Abdelnasser, and CO1 Mary Joyce Karize S Calica.
In their visit, the Warehousing and Delivery Division made them familiar with the various CSE items that PS-DBM presently offers to its client-agencies. After rounding the warehouse, the Procurement Office facilitated a thorough discussion on how the PDL’s products can meet the requirements of procuring entities. The dialogue also explored product quality, scalability, compliance with technical specification, and other requirements, all of which are critical steps to onboarding the items into the catalogue. Likewise, a handshake through execution of an agreement between PS-DBM and BuCor-CIW was proposed.
As the PS-DBM implements the provisions of the NGPA and its IRR, and in doing so advances multi-stakeholder engagement under its Open Government commitments, the potential inclusion of PDL-crafted products in the CSE catalogue is a compelling proof of how public procurement can be elevated into a transformative instrument for social equity and national development—ultimately resulting in a gender-responsive and compassionate governance.
The PS-DBM looks forward to the day when this endeavor comes to fruition, enhancing and redefining the role of the agency not only as the central procuring arm for CSE but also as a catalyst for social good, a conduit for transformative change, and a symbol of hope, women empowerment, and inclusivity./August 11, 2025, KR