Sorsogon City, Philippines – The Sorsogon City District Jail (SCDJ) recently received well-deserved recognition for its role in composing the official jingle “Hawak ang Pag-asa” for the HLAF-Pag-asa sa Bagong Buhay (PBB) Webinar Series 2025. This powerful anthem, which resonates with hope, rehabilitation, and second chances, was launched nationwide during the HLAF-PBB Webinar on March 21, 2025. The official certificate of recognition was awarded to SCDJ represented by JO1 Lesell O Barredo, Community Relations Service JNOR, JO1 Ian Jay O Frando, Chief, Welfare and Development, and JO1 Marc John Belen, Development Officer, alongside two (2) male PDL composers and singers, on March 26, 2025, during an awarding ceremony led by Mr. Jeph Mina of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF), Inc.
A Song Born of Resilience
The creation of “Hawak ang Pag-asa” is a testament to the creativity and perseverance within the SCDJ community. The jingle was composed by an SCDJ Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in collaboration with JO1 Jayson V. Trampe. The collaboration marks an important step for PDLs in expressing their personal journeys of transformation and redemption through music. With its hopeful lyrics and uplifting melody, the song serves as an anthem for reintegration programs aimed at providing second chances for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Performed by SCDJ’s PDLs, “Hawak ang Pag-asa” reflects the spirit of rehabilitation and community support. It speaks to the power of transformation and highlights the crucial role of society in offering PDLs opportunities for change, growth, and reintegration. The jingle has become not just a song, but a symbol of the resilience and determination that can be found in even the most challenging circumstances.
A Meaningful Collaboration
SCDJ’s contribution to the HLAF-PBB Webinar Series 2025 extends beyond just the music. The jingle embodies the core values of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF), whose advocacy focuses on offering hope and support to communities and individuals striving for a better future.
SCDJ was deeply honored to be part of this project. The facility, its PDLs, and staff were recognized for their collective effort in bringing “Hawak ang Pag-asa” to life, symbolizing the potential for positive change and the power of collaboration.
Meanwhile, SCDJ sincerely thanks SPIO for their vital role in recording “Hawak ang Pag-asa”, ensuring its message of hope reaches a wider audience.
A Voice of Transformation
“Hawak ang Pag-asa” is more than just an anthem—it is a call to action, encouraging society to embrace hope and transformation. It reminds us that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a chance to rebuild their future. For the PDLs at SCDJ, the song is a personal and collective journey, a reminder of the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite communities.
The awarding ceremony was a proud moment for SCDJ, affirming that through music, compassion, and shared effort, a brighter future is always within reach for those determined to change. The message of “Hawak ang Pag-asa” will continue to inspire not just the SCDJ community but everyone who believes in the power of second chances.
