Bars of Dough Initiative of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) Highlighted in a Recent Visit of PCES, Inc. to BJMP Bacoor
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Bakers of Bacoor City Jail Male Dormitory were visited by Philippine Central Engagement Services Inc. (PCES) team on October 6, 2025. They bought various bread and Pinoy pastries as part of the facility’s livelihood program, “Bars of Dough.”
PCES Inc’s Continuing Advocacy
The visit highlighted PCES Inc’s continuing advocacy to support PDLs. The organization acknowledged their skills and provided them with equal opportunities that can help them secure employment upon release and social reentry.
During the visit, the team purchased various baked goods such as ensaymada, doughnuts, cheese rolls, and ube bars. These were the products that PDL bakers made under the Bars of Dough initiative.
Moreover, this visit served as an opportunity for PCES Inc. to promote livelihood projects that reflect empowerment and hope for the PDL community.
Quality Bread, Quality People
Further, JSUPT. Christopher Penilla, Bacoor City Jail Male Warden highlighted that the program initiative is not only to create quality bread but also to underscore the hidden talents of PDLs and provide them with a source of livelihood while serving time inside.
“We feel like we have to put a brand in the name behind the talents of the PDL.”
Bars of Dough PDL Bakery
Currently, the bakery supplies products to selected schools in Bacoor through collaboration with the Sangguniang Bayan’s nutrition program. However, regular citizens can also submit their orders to JO1 Danica Rose Valenzuela or JO1 Yvette Cali-Melgs to obtain these precious goods.
Furthermore, Penilla expressed that the jail administration is actively working on the expansion of Bars of Dough. They aim to have it accredited by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as a standard bakery.
Consequently, this plan would increase production capacity and ensure that the program meets industry standards.
Bread of Hope: a Taste of Second Chances
Moreso, through initiatives like these, PCES and Bacoor Dormitory continue to pursue rehabilitation and inclusion efforts. These programs empower PDLs to rebuild their lives and acquire meaningful employment beyond the facility walls.
Finally, the visit concluded with a short message from Leo Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of PCES. He emphasized the program’s deeper purpose:
“Bars of Dough is also a Bread of Hope: a taste of second chances.”