Dance craze sweeping jails

The dance craze “Papaya” has undoubtedly penetrated the different strata of Philippine society — bar none.

This, and the international success of the “Dancing Inmates from Cebu,” has apparently rubbed off on inmates all over the country that dancing has now become a part of the rehabilitation of prisoners nationwide.

To prove this, some 425 inmates of Pagbilao District Jail in Quezon recently won the weekly finals of the “Extreme Papaya Dance Video” contest at “Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba?” hosted by actor Edu Manzano.

In a statement, the Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP) said their daily exercise routine consisting of intricate formations and dance steps has earned them P20,000 and a slot for the grand finals to vie for the P100,000 cash prize.

The grand finals is set for Dec. 29.

Pagbilao Jail Warden Chief Inspector Randell Latoza said he decided to submit the entry to the TV show as part of the effort to bridge the gap between corrections pillar and the community.

“I would like to help bridge the gap between the corrections pillar and the community and make them understand that these inmates have high hopes of being accepted back by society without the usual stigma being attached to incarcerated felons,” said Latoza. “I want the viewers to know that what we actually have inside the jails are communities of people that need help, understanding and a second chance at life.”

Latoza apparently took a cue from the success of mass dancing of inmates in the Cebu Provincial Detention Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), which is now famous and has become a tourist attraction in the province.

The performances of the CPDRC, including dance numbers to the tune of “Thriller” as popularized by Michael Jackson and the local song “Jumbo Hotdog,” was first uploaded in youtube.com.

BJMP director Armando Llamasares lauded the program that apparently improves the inmates’ outlook in life.

“The BJMP has good rehabilitation programs and innovations only that they cannot be made applicable to all jails because of the problem of congestion,” said Llamasares. “Most facilities lack the necessary space to hold rehabilitation/livelihood programs and that instead of being productive, most inmates spend idle time in jails.”

He also called for a collaborative effort among local government units, NGO’s and the community in helping the BJMP solve the problem of congestion.

“The problem of congestion in jails cannot be addressed by the BJMP alone,” he said. “With the present jail population of 60,732 and a five percent annual projected increase, we need help, especially from local government executives in terms of lot donations and construction of additional jail facilities to help address the problem of congestion.”