An innovative art initiative has transformed over 6,000 confiscated bladed weapons from the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) into a meaningful installation art piece.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the repurposed weapons, which include homemade sharp objects, are now a part of an art installation crafted by visual artist Pete Jimenez. The artwork represents a shift from violence to creativity and is aptly titled to reflect a message of "farms not arms." Concurrently, the Rotary Club of Quiapo Plaza Miranda and BuCor have embarked on a social reform art program aimed at rehabilitating persons deprived of liberty through artistic expression. This initiative, featuring the 'Creating Hope in the New Bilibid Prison via Project Laya and Hope Creating Gallery,' focuses on providing qualified inmates with skill development opportunities. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized the program's role in preparing inmates for community reintegration, while also announcing ambitious plans to upgrade the NBP Hospital to a world-class facility for the benefit of both retired and active BuCor personnel.