SERVICE BEHIND BARS

In the late 2014 the controversy in the New Bilibid Prision, the Philippines maximum security prison, was among the top stories in the news. The Department of Justice discovered that some high profile, rich inmates were getting special treatment behind bars and imprisoned drug lords still operate their dirty business behind bars.

When I heard this news, it reminded me of one extraordinary experience I had in 2014 when I covered a story about a Rotarian doctor who conducts free medical services to diabetic inmates in  Bilibid. I and our photographer had the opportunity to enter the New Bilibid Prison and talk to some prisoners there. Words could not describe the feeling I had when I was there-- in the midst of convicted criminals. The emotion was a mix of fear, excitement, and sympathy.  I was also surprised to see that, contrary to the images projected in the movies, Bilibid  is actually a community, like a barangay of prisoners where they could roam around and hang out. They have stores, basketball court, tennis court, restaurants. No wonder why some inmates wouldn't want to get out of that place!

 Here's my story published in the July 2014 issue of Philippine Rotary magazine:

SERVICE BEHIND BARS

Dr. Nick Villatuya

Norman Talibot, 77, has been incarcerated in the compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) for 35 years, serving a life sentence. Though restricted within the high, barbed wired concrete walls of the country’s maximum security prison, Talibot still looks forward to waking up every day to serve his fellow inmates who are afflicted with diabetes. Behind bars, he has found a new meaning in life as amember of the BuCor Inmates Diabetes Association (BIDA), a group of NBP prisoners who are trained to educate and assist prisoners with diabetes.  

BIDA was organized by Dr. Melanie Duran, resident diabetologist at NBP Hospital, in 2006. It treats around 300 inmates with diabetes, a lifelong and costly condition that could result into serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, stroke, amputation of limbs, and blindess. Every day the members of BIDA, including Talibot, monitor diabetic prisoners confined in the prison hospital ward, most of whom are already in their late years and had already been abandoned by their families. BIDA also conducts checkups and give lectures about the disease.

In 2012, BIDA partnered with the Rotary Club of Alabang to strengthen their efforts toward this initiative. Led by Dr. Nick Villatuya, a diabetologist and RY 2013-2014 club president. RC Alabang is also spearheading a signature service program on diabetes awareness as well as supports BIDA’s initiatives by providing medicines, insulin, and medical equipment. Villatuya also conducts medical services for diabetic inmates every week.

BIDA members checking up diabetic inmates

Villatuya, founder of Diabetes Education Assistance and Research Foundation Philippines that assists underprivileged diabetic patients, says that the service program in the NBP is one that is close to his heart, despite of the high risk involved. Weekly, he is exposed to 13,000 convicted criminals belonging to 13 rival prison gangs. “There are things that I gain from the prisoners that are greater t what I receive than the ones I provide them. These are knowledge, experience, insights, stories, and even care. The risk is outweighed by what I receive, which can never be stolen from me. Material riches fade away, but these things that make you wiser in understanding your fellowmen is irreplacable,” said Villatuya, who also works as a medical consultant at the Alabang Diabetes Clinic in Muntinlupa City.

Dr. Villatuya checks up a patient in the ward

The World Diabetes Fouation recognized BIDA for its notable effort during the 2012 Global Diabetes Walk. In this activity, 1,000 inmates from different gangs joined the walk within the NBP compound. The gangs set aside their differences and formed a big blue circle, showing their unity in the fight against diabetes. The individuals who witnessed the scene described it as “a rare moment of civility” as members of notorious prison gangs peacefully gathered in one place.

Inmates from different prison gangs in the New Bilibid Prison show their unity in the fight
against diabetes during the 2012 Global Diabetes Walk (Photo courtesy of Dr. Duran)

Such a feat is among the priceless rewards that inspire BIDA and RC Alabang to continue their service behind bars—proving that “Service Above Self” knows no boundaries and trancends through the high concrete walls of a maximum security prison. “It is very rewarding. Service to fellowmen does not choose places. Even inside or outside a prisons or in the church, if there’s someone who needs help, we will be there,” Villatuya said.

(Photos by: Carmen Dela Cerna)