By: Political Science Society

Baguio City — On August 3, 2025, the THIRD YEAR POLITICAL SCIENCE INTERNS – BAPS 3C brought light, laughter, and hope to the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory during Phase 2 of their Community Outreach Program, “Project Pag-asa at Ngiti: Rekindling Hope Behind Bars.”

The program opened with an empowering motivational talk by Ms. Jaimee C. Longbuan, who encouraged the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to embrace personal growth, find healing, and believe in the possibility of change. Her heartfelt words set a hopeful tone for the day, reminding everyone that no past mistake should define the rest of their lives.

The students then distributed hygiene kits to address the PDLs’ basic needs, organized lively parlor games that brought bursts of laughter, and gave prizes to winners as tokens of joy. The celebration ended with shared snacks, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere where, even for a moment, the walls felt a little less confining.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Kyshelle Jude Rafael left a resonating message: “Everyone has a different phasing in life.” Her words reminded both the PDLs and the students that every person’s journey is unique—and that change happens at its own pace.

For the BAPS 3C students, the experience was more than an outreach—it was an eye-opener. They came to understand that not everyone inside the jail is guilty; some are fighting wrongful accusations, carrying the heavy weight of injustice. This realization deepened their empathy, teaching them that behind every case is a human story, often untold and misunderstood.

As they left the facility, the students carried with them a renewed belief that kindness, dignity, and hope should never be bound by bars. Project Pag-asa at Ngiti was not only about giving—it was about connecting, listening, and understanding, proving that even small acts of compassion can spark meaningful change.

𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐒𝐈𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐒𝐀𝐘!!