The Philippine Women Judges Association- Zamboanga Peninsula (PWJA-ZP) conducted a series of outreach programs in the region. On December 3, 2019, PWJA-ZP led by its Regional Director Hon. Judge Analyn F. Ramas-Costanilla and Deputy Regional Director Hon. Judge Shaldilyn Bangsaja, had a gift-giving activity to around 51 recipients at the DSWD Home for the Elderly in Zamboanga City. The activity was attended by Hon. Judge Gracilina Gagarra-Bernardo (RTC-Zamboanga City), Hon. Judge Remee Raida Tanjili (Sharia Court of Sulu) and PWJA National Officer Hon. Judge Lily Laquindamon.
On December 7 and 14, 2019, PWJA-ZP also conducted a “Sharing Christmas with the Inmates” gift-giving activity at the Pagadian City Jail and Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Jail respectively in coordination with the local members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Zamboanga del Sur chapter, the Public Attorney’s Office and the personnel and staff of the judiciary. There were around 800 detainees (PDL) served during the said gift-giving activities. The Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) were given “love gifts” consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry soap, bath soap, shampoo and tawas, and sanitary napkins for the women PDLs. They were also given a full meal during lunchtime. Hon. Judge Norlinda Amante-Descallar, presiding judge of MCTC-Kumalarang-Tigbao-Lakewood, stated that the judiciary should make this activity an advocacy considering that we receive many blessings during Christmastime.
Indeed, we should live in a mantra that sharing is caring. For after all, thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of that candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.