Bringing its core value of responsibility to life, Aboitiz Foods—through its subsidiary Pilmico Foods Corp. (Pilmico)—partnered with the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Iligan to launch the "Baking Behind Bars" program.
An initiative of MSU-IIT’s WE CARE Office, the program is designed to equip PDLs with sustainable livelihood skills, empowering them to become productive members of society upon reintegration. A total of 37 PDLs—24 men and 13 women—took part in the intensive, hands-on training held from March 12 to 14, 2026.
Nourishing potential
For many behind bars, social stigma often becomes a barrier taller than prison walls, limiting opportunities for a fresh start.
By providing tools and training, the program offers more than a second chance—it builds a bridge toward personal growth.
Pilmico views the initiative as an extension of its commitment to community empowerment. Through expert-led workshops and the provision of high-quality flour, correctional facilities are transformed into spaces of rehabilitation.
Quality assurance supervisor Rodulfo Orong emphasized the deeper mission: enabling PDLs to access skills that can support sustainable livelihoods. Beyond technical learning, the program seeks to restore confidence and hope for a fresh start.
Practical skills
The workshop introduced participants to bread-making fundamentals, including flour characteristics, ingredient functionality, and costing—essential knowledge for starting a small bakery.
Using equipment provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), participants created products such as cheesy malunggay pandesal, cheesy onion pandesal, and oatmeal cookies.
These recipes can be shared with their families, extending the impact beyond jail walls.
The program also lays the groundwork for sustainability through the planned “Bread on Wheels” project, which will allow families of PDLs to sell baked goods via mobile shops.
Second chances
City Jail Warden JCINSP Carmelo A. Corsame highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful social impact.
“When our PDLs knead dough, they are also kneading their future. This is about dignity, second chances, and reconnecting with family and community,” he said.
For participants, the experience goes beyond skills training. One PDL shared, “I used to think my hands were only for mistakes. Now, I see they can create something my children might taste one day.”
Shared value
Ultimately, Baking Behind Bars underscores a shared belief among partners: meaningful change begins with access to knowledge, opportunity, and support.
As the ovens cooled and the last loaves were shared, the results symbolized more than baked goods—they represented hope rising, even behind bars.
Through initiatives like this, Aboitiz Foods, through Pilmico, continues to demonstrate that creating shared value means empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and forging partnerships to nourish a better future. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
