The University of Northern Philippines, through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension and the University Extension Office, in partnership with the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail (ISPJ), conducted a livelihood skills training-workshop on banana bread and decorative candle making and a lecture on product costing on October 12, 2026 at the ISPJ in Taleb, Bantay, Ilocos Sur as part of the observance of Prisoners’ Month.
The initiative reflects UNP’s commitment to deliver responsive, relevant, and sustainable extension services, particularly for persons deprived of liberty (PDL). By equipping participants with practical livelihood skills and knowledge, the University seeks to help them explore income-generating opportunities during their incarceration and prepare for a more productive and self-sufficient life upon their release.
The training engaged 30 PDLs, equally composed of 15 females and 15 males, in the livelihood development activity, with UNP faculty members and ISPJ officials joining the initiative to support the participants’ skills development and learning.
The banana bread-making session was facilitated by Dr. Jeanina Batin, who provided participants with practical instruction on the preparation and production of banana bread, highlighting techniques that can be applied to small-scale food production and potential livelihood ventures.
Meanwhile, Prof. May Evelia Ruadap led the decorative candle-making workshop, guiding participants through the hands-on process of creating decorative candle products that could be developed into marketable items for income generation.
To complement the skills-training sessions, Mr. Aristotle Piamonte conducted a lecture on product costing, emphasizing the importance of identifying direct and indirect costs, calculating production expenses, setting appropriate selling prices, and determining profit margins. The discussion equipped participants with basic knowledge of pricing products effectively and managing potential livelihood ventures.
The activity reflects UNP’s continuing commitment to provide responsive, relevant, and sustainable extension services, particularly to underserved sectors of the community. It also reinforces the partnership between the University and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail in advancing the rehabilitation and skills development of persons deprived of liberty, while helping prepare them for productive and meaningful reintegration into society.
Artible by Eileen Rose Q. Paculan
