Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care

27/11/2025

Last November 23, 2025, the Philippine Jesuit Scholars gathered for their 3rd formation at the Sta. Maria Pastoral Center, anchored on the powerful theme: ‘Tinawag ng Diyos Upang Piliin ang Mabuti.’

Facilitated by the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care and Ateneo de Iloilo, the formation invited the scholars to reflect deeply on God’s call to choose what is good, just, and life-giving. Through guided talks, heartfelt sharing, and moments of quiet discernment, the group explored how God continues to speak through everyday decisions—both in significant turning points and in the small, hidden choices that shape one’s character and mission.

The day became a meaningful space of honesty, companionship, and spiritual grounding. As Ignatian scholars journeying together, everyone was reminded that choosing the good is not only a responsibility but also a grace that inspires service, compassion, and purposeful living.

We express our gratitude to the Sta. Maria Pastoral Center for providing an environment of peace and reflection, and to our facilitators for guiding this transformative experience. May this formation continue to strengthen each scholar’s desire to discern, listen, and courageously choose the good in all things.

25/11/2025

“Last October 26, 2025, the Philippine Jesuit Scholars gathered in Iloilo City for their second formation, highlighted by a meaningful Lakbay-Aral across the city’s historic museums. Guided by the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care and supported by Ateneo de Iloilo, the scholars immersed themselves in rich narratives of faith, culture, resilience, and heritage—discovering how history continues to shape our mission today.

After the museum visits, the scholars came together for a heartfelt sharing session where they reflected on their learnings, personal insights, and the ways in which Ignatian values spoke to them throughout the journey. This communal exchange deepened the sense of companionship and reminded everyone of the importance of listening, discerning, and growing together.

The day culminated in the celebration of the Holy Mass—a moment of gratitude, grounding, and spiritual renewal. It was a fitting conclusion to a formation experience rooted in both learning and faith.

Grateful to all who made this transformative day possible. May the lessons of the Lakbay-Aral, the reflections shared, and the grace of the Eucharist continue to guide our hearts in service and mission.”

24/11/2025

“With grateful hearts, we look back on the recently concluded 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙑𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙧𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 held last October 20, 2025.

It was a grace-filled gathering marked by fellowship, renewal, and a deepened sense of mission as we continue the Church’s ministry of presence, compassion, and hope among our brothers and sisters behind bars.

Our heartfelt thanks to 𝑹𝒆𝒗. 𝑭𝒓. 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒎𝒐 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑱𝒓., 𝑺.𝑱., Executive Director of PJPS, for being our inspirational guest speaker. Your words challenged and encouraged us to serve with renewed purpose, humility, and courage. We also extend our deep gratitude to 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒗. 𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒚𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔, 𝑫.𝑫., Archbishop of Jaro, for presiding over the Holy Mass and for his constant guidance and support for the prison pastoral ministry. Your presence truly blessed our gathering.

A special word of thanks to our 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐅𝐫. 𝐈𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐫., for his tireless leadership, dedication, and compassionate stewardship of the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care. Your vision and commitment continue to inspire us and strengthen our resolve to serve with joy and fidelity.

To all our volunteers, benefactors, clergy, partners, and supporters—thank you for your generosity, commitment, and unwavering compassion. Your continued support reminds us that no one is forgotten in the love of Christ.

𝐴𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑, 𝑤𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡. 𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑗𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑦, 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡’𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡.

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑡ℎ, ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒. 🙏✨”

10/10/2025

The 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 (𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐏𝐏𝐂) joyfully invites everyone to its 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒔 to be held at the 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐠𝐦𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐇𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐨-𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐨, 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, at 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This gathering serves as a moment of grace and renewal as we come together to reaffirm our commitment to serve our brothers and sisters in prison with compassion, hope, and faith.

The event will be highlighted by the presence of 𝑹𝒆𝒗. 𝑭𝒓. 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒎𝒐 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑱𝒓., 𝑺.𝑱., 𝑬𝒙𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝑱𝑷𝑺, as the guest speaker, and 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒗. 𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒚𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔, 𝑫.𝑫., 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒃𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒂𝒓𝒐, as the Mass presider.

As one community in mission, may this assembly inspire us to continue embodying Christ’s mercy and love through our ministry of accompaniment and service to those who are imprisoned. 💛

06/10/2025

𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘴.

Through the 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 of the 𝐁𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐲𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, our 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐏𝐏𝐂 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 continue to bring love, faith, and hope to our 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐃𝐋𝐬 sa 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐥 – 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

They distributed food packs and held a short program to 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 among our elderly.

𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐦 𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐮𝐠𝐦𝐚 — 𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛-𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐚.

— 𝘍𝘳. 𝘗𝘰𝘯 𝘊

03/10/2025

🌿✨ Celebrating Life, Honoring Age ✨🌿

This Elderly Filipino Week 2025, we embraced the theme “Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose” together with our brothers and sisters in jail. ❤️

With gratitude, we thank our tireless volunteers from Iloilo City District Jail - Male Dormitory (ICDJ-MD) and Barotac Viejo District Jail (BVDJ) who brought joy, care, and presence to our elderly PDLs. Simple gestures—cash gifts, food, and shared moments—became powerful signs of God’s love. 🙏

Together, we affirm: no one is forgotten, everyone is cherished. 🌸

02/10/2025

The poor driver was left to rot in jail. The powerful one gets protection and even “humanitarian considerations.”

This is not justice — this is privilege wrapped in hypocrisy.

For ordinary people, there is no mercy. But for the mighty and influential, suddenly compassion appears. Where is justice in that? This is justice blind not to right and wrong, but blind only to influence and votes.

It’s outrageous. It’s shameful. And above all, it is a clear reminder of how rotten the system becomes when the Senate itself bends over to shield their idol.

As a priest and a servant in the prison ministry, I see daily how the poor, the elderly, and the sick are left without compassion. Yet here, those in power bend justice in favor of the strong.

The Gospel calls us to defend the least, the lost, and the last — not to exalt the mighty and cover up their sins. True justice is rooted in truth and mercy, not in politics and privilege.

This is not for the nation, not for principle — it is for their own political survival.

Let’s call it for what it is: not justice, but disgrace before God and His people.

- Fr Pon C.

Noong 2020, panahon ni Rodrigo Duterte, si Elmer Cordero, 72 anyos at may iniindang hernia, ay ikinulong matapos sumama sa anim na jeepney drivers na nagprotesta sa Caloocan para payagan silang makapamasada muli sa gitna ng lockdown. Sa halip na kaunting konsiderasyon, hindi siya pinalaya dahil may pending estafa case kaugnay ng hindi nabayarang upa, kahit isa pang kaso laban sa kanya ay na-dismiss na noon pa. Habang nakikipaglaban lang siya para mabuhay at maitaguyod ang pamilya, ang sagot ng Palasyo: charges must be faced regardless of age. Walang awa, walang tinatawag na humanitarian grounds, kahit alam nilang marupok na ang kanyang katawan at payak lang ang dahilan ng kanyang pakikibaka.

Pero tingnan ang contrast ngayon. Si Rodrigo Duterte, dating pangulo at may kinakaharap na mas mabigat na kaso sa International Criminal Court — crimes against humanity dahil sa libo-libong EJK — ay mismong ipinaglalaban ng Senado na bigyan ng house arrest para raw sa humanitarian considerations. Si Elmer Cordero, isang pobreng tsuper, matanda at may sakit, walang humanitarian considerations at kinulong. Si Duterte, makapangyarihan, pinoprotektahan at ginagawan pa ng espesyal na resolusyon para sa kanyang ginhawa.

Ito ang malinaw na larawan ng hustisya sa bansa. Ang mahirap na lolo, walang awa. Ang makapangyarihang lider, sobra ang awa. Ginagawa ito ng mga senador hindi dahil sa prinsipyo, kundi para sa boto at para mapanatili ang kanilang political career habang sikat pa si Duterte. Ang tawag dyan ay hindi hustisya, kundi pribilehiyo na nakabalot sa kawalang hiya.

29/09/2025

At Barotac Viejo District Jail, our catechesis with the PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty) is always followed by a simple but meaningful meal. For as we feed their souls with the Word of God, we also strive to fill their bodies with nourishment.

The Eucharist we celebrate reminds us that God’s love is both spiritual and tangible — a Bread that feeds the heart, and food that sustains the body.

Thank you to our volunteers who continue to serve with joy, proving that evangelization is not only about words but also about presence, sharing, and compassion.

✨ Catechesis. Prayer. Food. Hope. ✨
Because in the smallest acts of feeding, Christ is made present.

29/09/2025

✨ 𝙰 𝙼𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙼𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗: 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝙿𝙹𝙿𝚂 𝚂𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜 ✨

On September 28, 2025, the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS) in collaboration with Ateneo de Iloilo and the Archdiocese of Jaro through its Prison Ministry Arm, the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care held its first formal formation for Scholars and their parents and guardians at the Sta. Maria Pastoral Center. This significant gathering marked not only the beginning of a structured formation program for the scholars, but also affirmed PJPS, Ateneo de Iloilo and JACPPC’s deep commitment to accompanying families—especially those with loved ones deprived of liberty—with compassion, dignity, and faith.

The formation was facilitated by Ateneo de Iloilo and the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, whose guidance and support were instrumental in creating a space for learning, sharing, and spiritual growth. Through their help, both the scholars and their guardians were engaged in meaningful conversations and activities that emphasized healing, resilience, and the power of community.

As part of PJPS’s holistic approach, all scholars received transportation allowance, school supplies, and formation kits provided by PJPS and its generous donors. In addition, Havaianas graciously sponsored a new pair of slippers for each scholar, adding both comfort and joy to the day.

The day’s activities culminated in a Eucharistic celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Ildefonso Cachuela Jr., who reminded everyone of God’s enduring mercy and the sacredness of every person’s story—no matter how broken or burdened. The Mass served as a powerful moment of unity and grace, bringing together scholars, parents, facilitators, and the wider prison pastoral community in thanksgiving and hope.

This first formal formation is more than a one-time event—it marks the beginning of a journey toward restoration, empowerment, and transformation, not only for the scholars but for their entire families. With the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers, PJPS continues to walk alongside those often left at the margins—offering not just aid, but accompaniment grounded in faith that does justice.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ateneo de Iloilo, the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, Havaianas, and all who helped make this day possible.
Together, we continue to believe in the power of hope behind bars—and beyond. 💙🙏

27/09/2025

🌟 LOOK: RUG MAKING & VEGETABLE SEEDS GIVING SA BAROTAC VIEJO DISTRICT JAIL! 🌱🧵

Life behind bars doesn’t mean life without hope!

Our Volunteers in Prison Service of JACPPC spent a joyful and meaningful day with our PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty) in Barotac Viejo District Jail.

Hands-on Rug Making – Ginpakita sang aton mga PDLs ang ila creativity kag resourcefulness, learning a skill nga pwede nila pangabuhian kag makahatag self-worth.

Vegetable Seeds Distribution – Ginpanagtag man sang seeds para matudluan sila magtanum, not just for food security, kundi man para sa extra income kag pagtamod sang duta.

Ini nga mga aktibidad nagabulig nga magtubo ang paglaum, maglig-on ang responsibilidad, kag maghatag dignidad bisan sa sulod sang rehas.

Kay ang kabuhi, indi matapos sa prisuhan—pwede gihapon magsugod liwat ang bag-o nga istorya!

From Bars to Gardens, from Rugs to New Beginnings.

24/09/2025

"What We Do Inside Prison Cells – Part 1":

Inside the prison walls, our mission begins with bringing the presence of Christ to those often forgotten. We celebrate the Holy Mass with persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), reminding them that grace knows no boundaries. Through the Eucharist, they encounter hope, healing, and the unchanging truth that they are still deeply loved by God. We also provide catechesis—offering formation, spiritual guidance, and the opportunity to grow in faith, even within confinement. These sacred moments plant seeds of transformation that only God can fully bring to life.

Alongside spiritual nourishment, we also attend to physical needs through our feeding programs. A warm meal served with compassion becomes a sign of God’s care and the Church’s solidarity. These simple acts of service are reminders that mercy is not just preached—it is lived. In every Mass, every lesson, and every meal shared, we bring light into dark places and stand as witnesses to the Gospel that reaches all people, in all places.