Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Iloilo City District Jail–Male Dormitory (ICDJ-MD) in Barangay Ungka, Jaro are planning to once again take part in the Dinagyang Festival next year through a special participation arrangement.
Jail Superintendent Denver Beltran, warden of the ICDJ-MD, said the group, known as Tribu Paghilom, intends to showcase another performance as part of the iconic festival, following their previous participation that drew public attention.
The official explained that the performance will be staged inside the jail facility, with the presentation shown to festival audiences through live feed or recorded video displayed on screens at designated venues, in line with security protocols.
“All performances will be done within the jail premises, but the public will still be able to watch through monitors,” Beltran said, noting that the participation is considered a special entry rather than part of the official competition.
He added that all props, costumes, and materials to be used by the PDL performers are being sourced from their own resources, with support from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
According to Beltran, the initiative came from the PDLs themselves, who expressed a strong desire to return to the Dinagyang stage as a way of showcasing their talents and personal growth despite being behind bars.
The warden emphasized that the participation goes beyond cultural expression, describing it as part of the jail’s rehabilitation and reformation programs.
“This is not just about performance. It is a form of rehabilitation and a way for them to express discipline, creativity, and hope,” he said.
The planned return of Tribu Paghilom underscores how culture and the arts continue to serve as powerful tools for transformation, offering persons deprived of liberty a platform for dignity, self-worth, and second chances—even within correctional facilities.IMT
