Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), through the Extension Community Service Office (ECSO in collaboration with the DSSC Tudlok Visual Artists Guild, successfully conducted the arts component of the “LIFE Behind Bars Program” through a Coffee Painting Workshop for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) on May 8, 2026, at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Digos District Jail – Male Dormitory.
This activity is part of the LIFE Behind Bars Program of DSSC, an extension initiative that aims to support the rehabilitation and development of PDLs through various interventions, including skills and livelihood training, education behind bars, Sining sa Loob ng Rehas, the E-Dalaw System, and financial literacy training.
To facilitate the arts-based workshop for the PDL community, this collaboration was initiated by the ECSO Director, Dr. Queenie Lyn G. Almerez, together with the DSSC Tudlok Visual Artists Guild, headed by their Adviser, Instr. Cherry B. Corpin, alongside ECSO components, Instr. Cheryl G. Nacion, and Instr. Rolando A. Licudine. The conduct of the event was made possible with the support of Jail Warden JCINSP Jul Akbar L. Jamiri, who ensured the safety and smooth implementation of the workshop for all participants throughout the whole activity.
In his opening message, JCINSP Jamiri remarked on the importance of holistic development for PDLs through activities that enhance their creativity, skills, and self-expression in their preparation for future reintegration into society.
It was followed by a basic lecture on coffee painting delivered by Tudlok’s Co-Adviser and Visual Arts Coach, Jones Lyndon C. Damo, who introduced the participants to the fundamentals of the medium before proceeding to the practical session, where members of Tudlok guided the PDL participants in creating their own coffee painting, offering assistance in developing their chosen subjects and artistic concepts on canvas.
Afterwards, participating PDLs presented their artworks and shared their experiences during the workshop, with one participant expressing gratitude for the opportunity, sharing that it was their first time using coffee as a painting medium, noting that the activity has allowed them to explore their creativity.
The activity concluded with a closing remark from Instr. Corpin, who thanked the BJMP Digos City District Jail officials for the opportunity to share the knowledge and artistic skills of the organization with the PDL community.
Through this activity, DSSC continues to strengthen its commitment to serving the community, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 for Quality Education, SDG 10 for Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16 for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
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