Manila: First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos has received a heartfelt gift from Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. during the opening of an art exhibit at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. The First Lady was presented a portrait of the First Family after leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to mark the opening of the Art Exhibit featuring the works of current and former persons deprived of liberty (PDL).
According to Philippines News Agency, the BuCor stated that the portrait was created by Ariel Caviluna, a PDL at the New Bilibid Prison’s maximum-security compound. Besides the portrait, Court of Tax Appeals Justice Ivy Fajardo presented Marcos with bags created by PDLs from the Correctional Institution for Women.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. remarked, “This gesture not only showcased the talent and creativity of Caviluna but also highlighted the rehabilitation efforts and artistic abilities of individuals within the prison system.” He e
mphasized that the presentation of the family portrait to the First Lady was a symbolic gesture of bridging the gap between the free world and incarcerated individuals, demonstrating that art can transcend boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds.
In response, the First Lady graciously expressed her appreciation by sending boxes of lanzones to the PDLs. Catapang noted, “This act of kindness and generosity not only touched the hearts of the recipients but also reflected the compassion and humanity of the First Lady.”
The exhibit, which is part of the National Correctional Consciousness Week, will be open to the public until January 5, 2025.