TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 16 -- Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) built a giant Christmas tree made of recyclables as part of the local government's correctional reform initiatives.

Jay Keenson Acebuche, Northern Samar provincial planning and development officer, said 230 PDLs were involved in conceptualizing, crafting and decorating the first-ever giant Christmas tree built by inmates in the province.

"Made from recyclable materials, the Christmas tree prominently features the Christmas wishes of the PDLs, symbolizing hope, renewal and the positive transformation taking place within the facility," Acebuche, also the officer-in-charge provincial warden, said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Acebu...