UP Ibalon Bicol

Even the jailbirds of Mandaue penal colony felt the need to help the victims of the flood caused by Typhoon Ondoy. The deaths and devastation were immense. It would take weeks or months before people affected by the disaster could recover. A huge assistance drive had been set into play in the country and abroad.

In a gesture to help, 600 prisoners of Mandaue, Cebu volunteered to skip a meal so they could donate their food to the victims of the calamity. Sparing one meal would bring 6 sacks of rice and several canned goods for the victims of the storm.

Mandaue mayor Jonas Cortes who earmarked P1 million from his government to donate to the flood victims of Luzon said:

“I salute our inmates for their good gesture. For me, this will create ripples of joy and kindness. In good times and in bad times, we are all brothers and sisters.”----Inquirer (10/02/09, Israel, D. G.)

Such extraordinary expression of kindness from the prisoners must not go unnoticed and unappreciated. It is common knowledge that the poor inmates are themselves not well-fed in jail. Overcrowding and lack of budget are persistent problems prisoners face as they serve jailtime.(Photo Credit: Luk83) =0=

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LABELS: prisoner, jail, Mandaue, flood, Cebu, Typhoon Ondoy, Totie Mesia