Abalos praises BJMP rehab programs, 4 PDLs, coach turned chess champs
INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has praised the rehabilitation programs of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) as he congratulated the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who brought honor to the country by bagging the second International Online Chess Championship recently.
Team Philippines which is composed of four PDLs from the General Santos City Male Dormitory, barged into the tournament’s finals where they defeated Team Colombia in a dominating fashion via a 2,5-1,5 in Game 1 and 3,5-05 in Game 2.
“Ang galing, well napakagaling nyo at champion kayo ha, kaya congratulations. It shows that maski deprived tayo of liberty, we have the starlet, ipakita natin, let’s ahh, ung confidence in ourselves, tuloy nyo lang yan, congratulations,” Abalos said at the sidelines after the dialogue with the media in Camp Crame Saturday morning.
When asked about his reaction on the BJMP’s programs, Abalos replied with a thumbs up gesture and said “ang galing.”
BJMP chief Director Allan Iral flew to GenSan also Saturday where he represented the DILG Secretary in recognizing the PDLs and at the same time commended the jail leadership for the honor it gave.
Iral handed 20 chess boards, 10 chess clock and cash incentives to the jail facility to expand their chess activities with other detainees.
He also commended the four PDLs and their coach, Jail Officer 1 Cedrix Cabangal for representing the country in the international chess tournament and for winning the biggest chess event among correctional facilities in the world — with over 85 teams from 46 participating countries this year.
In his speech, the bureau head assured to intensify the welfare and development programs for the PDLs in the country.
“Tuloy tuloy at mas lalo pa nating palalawakin ang mga welfare and development programs para sa ating mga PDL,” he promised.
The BJMP chief added; “The DILG and the whole BJMP family are very proud of your recent feat. Thank you for bringing pride and honor not only to the Jail Bureau but to the country as well. . . tunay nga na pang-world class ang galing ng ating mga PDL.”
The historic win of the PDLs put the country on the global map of chess, particularly among players in places of detention.
Sports and recreational activities are integral components of the BJMP’s welfare and development programs which aim to promote camaraderie among PDL, encourage the development of self-confidence, and form positive entertainment.
