Hope behind bars: Inmates learn handmade papermaking from FPRDI
May 14, 2013
They may be temporarily incarcerated, but that does not limit the inmates at the Pasay City Jail from exploring some livelihood options.
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) conducted the “Seminar-Forum on Paper Recycling and Paper Product Development” for the 35 inmates and 4 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) staff last 12 April 2013. This activity was initiated by Jail Superintendent Brendan O. Fulgencio, Warden of Pasay City Jail.
For. Moreno L. Santander Jr., Science Research Specialist II at FPRDI’s Technology Delivery and Industry Assistance Section, presented the Institute’s technology transfer program and technical assistance services. Mr. Raul Felismino, Science Research Analyst at the Pulp and Paper Products Section (PPPS), discussed paper recycling and handmade papermaking, while Mr. Justino C. Buendia, also of PPPS, demonstrated how to make handmade paper using recycled pulp from corrugated cartons, used bond papers and other office paper supplies mixed with banana stalk and abaca. Other raw materials for handmade papermaking such as banana peduncle, cogon, talahib, bagas, salago and paper mulberry were also shown to the participants.
"The participants were delighted to see product samples such as folders, photo frames and albums, tissue boxes, bags, and greetings cards. They likewise asked questions about the cost and availability of the raw materials, and the equipment needed to start a handmade paper business," said Santander.
Jail Officer 1 (JO1) Melanie T. Dogwe, Head of Inmates Welfare and Development Unit, expressed the inmates’ and the staff’s interest in participating in a full-blown training on handmade paper making and product development in June 2013.
“Handmade paper conversion is an excellent livelihood option for the inmates of Pasay City Jail. We hope that FPRDI will continue to support many indigent communities thru its technologies,” concluded Dogwe. ### (Moreno L. Santander Jr. 24 April 2013)
