AFDA raises funds to support world-class branding of female inmates

KALIBO, Aklan- The Aklan Fashion Designers Association (AFDA) has recently conducted a charity fashion gala for a cause that will benefit the livelihood and branding of some female inmates detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology—Aklan.

Adriano Samar, AFDA Chairman said that the activity is part of the province’s celebration of the first Aklan Fashion Week, aimed at showcasing the products of female inmates, also known as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).
The charity gala was held November 23–25 at the Marzon Convention Center.

“The proceeds will be utilized to purchase sewing machines and other materials, which will be a source of livelihood for our PDL’s while inside the corrective facility, thereby giving them a sense of purpose and hope. In addition, this also aims to highlight and promote the century-old pina weaving industry, Aklan’s intangible cultural heritage,” he told the Boracay Island News Network.

Sheree Reynaldo, also of AFDA, said that the female inmates who are facing illegal drug cases have already come up with their own brand in the fashion industry.

“We started last December 2022 through a skills training provided by the Department of Trade and Industry on doormat and bag production. Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro then also provided two sewing machines that helped PDL’s jumpstart their brand. At least nine female PDL’s are involved in this kind of program,” Reynaldo said.

Reynaldo said that some of the products made by the PDL’s were also showcased during the Panublion Trade Fair in Iloilo on November 15–19, 2023.

The fashion week featured 13 local fashion designers, one Manila-based fashion designer, three Iloilo-based fashion designers, three celebrity models, 90 local models, and around 15 Akeanon personalities for the real people segment wearing AFDA creations.