Inmates donate hair to help counter oil spill

CEBU, Philippines - More than 600 inmates at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail voluntary cut their hair as their contribution to the City Government’s campaign to address the oil spill in their seawaters.

Mostly of the inmates in Lapu-Lapu City lived at the coastal barangays of Lapu-Lapu and Cordova town. They come from families of fishermen whose livelihood are affected by the oil spill, said Jail Chief Inspector Renante Rubio.

Rubio told reporters that of the 952 male inmates, 600 volunteered to have their hair cut and donate these to the City Government.

Rubio heard over the radio an official of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office saying that hair is a good material to help address the oil spill.

After he heard the interview, he presented the idea to City Mayor Paz Radaza during the coastal cleanup last Wednesday and the mayor supported his proposal.

“Nalipay kaayo si Mayor Radaza sa atong plano mao nga iya gayud nga gipaluyohan kining atong gihimo nga kalihukan,” said Rubio. (The mayor is supporting our activity.)

Of the total 104 female inmates, 81 agreed to cut their hair.

City Jail Female Warden Jonnabelle Roiles separately told reporters that the inmates readily agreed to help.

The City Government of Lapu-Lapu provided the snack and other requirements for the activity. They expect to get five sacks of hair in the next three days, according to Rubio.

The activity yesterday had the theme “Buhok sa Piniriso Halad Para sa Kalikupan”.  (FREEMAN)