‘Ramil’, a PDL at Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD), had longed to perform the traditional ‘dagkot’ for years—a ritual of lighting candles to remember departed loved ones. After more than four years of incarceration, his wish was finally fulfilled.
In the Philippines, All Saint’s Day and All Souls’ Day are significant holidays when people flock to cemeteries to light candles and offer flowers, honoring those who have passed away. However, for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), visiting cemeteries is impossible. Recognizing the deep emotional significance of these traditions, ICJMD took an innovative step to bridge this gap by creating a community memorial park within the facility.
The park, a serene common area, features a prominent cross at its center, symbolizing unity and remembrance. Here, PDL like Ramil can light candles and offer flowers, participating in the traditional ‘dagkot’ despite their circumstances. This initiative not only respects cultural traditions but also provides a sense of solace and continuity for the PDL.
JCI CARMELO A CORSAME, the city jail warden, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Steering emotions during holidays is challenging, especially for PDL who are away from their families. We have to be innovative in creating spaces and activities that allow them to honor their traditions and find emotional support.”
This thoughtful project at ICJMD stands as a witness to the facility’s commitment to humane treatment and the emotional well-being of its residents, showing that even within the confines of incarceration, there are ways to maintain cultural connections and provide comfort.
Dagkot within ICJMD is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 2, 2024. On November 2, a ‘Liturgy of Words to Remember the Dead’ will be held collectively in a makeshift prayer area within the facility.
