The Provincial Government of Batanes and the DOST – Provincial S&T Center had established project for the inmates thru the project “Provision of Livelihood for the Inmates in Batanes”. This is to give them the chance to earn for their families while serving their sentences.

The project which was initiated last year, enabled the inmates of the provincial jail to undergo training on handicrafts or Ivatan tokens, especially on bag weaving using plastic straps and waste papers.  They were also given raw materials as a start-up. As a result, they were able to produce bags that are promoted through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office.

In order to stay equal or ahead competition products, there is a need for product enhancement. One way to produce more attractive weaved bags for locals and tourists, is by designing the bags with painted pictures of scenic spots in the province. This will also command higher price, thus higher profit.

And so, on October 22, 2019 at the provincial jail, was a training on the enhancement of handicraft products of inmates thru arts/painting. The said training is a follow through after the bag weaving training conducted last year.

The production of hand-painted bags will be a good way for inmates not only to earn income and to ease their boredom but also their own little way of promoting tourism in Batanes. It is also said that art is a good therapeutic tool for inmates to reduce depression and improve social skills, therefore improvement in mood and behavior is also expected.