The Quezon City Government, through the Quezon City Gender and Development Council (GAD Council) and Office of the City Mayor (OCM), in collaboration with multiple city departments and agencies, has set up the NO WOMAN LEFT BEHIND program that aims to help improve the welfare of the city’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) during and after detention.
Under the program, female PDLs have been provided access to healthcare, education, and livelihood.
Healthcare
Female PDLs receive health care and laboratory services, such as BC, Urinalysis, Fecalysis, ECG, Chem 5, Pregnancy Tests, and vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
As of March 2026, 19,376 medical interventions have been performed since 2021.
Education
In Education, with the assistance of the Quezon City University (QCU), they are offered basic and higher education, as well as the Alternative Learning System (ALS)
As of March 2026, 160 of them are currently enrolled, 353 PDLs have graduated from Elementary-SHS, and 43 have graduated with a BS in entrepreneurship degree.
Livelihood
For livelihood, PDLs are given access to opportunities such as the Small Income Generating Assistance (SIGA) Capital Assistance Program by the Social Services Development Department (SSDD), the Vote to Tote program, and the Cup of Joy Coffee Shop, along with other programs provided by the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO).
In partnership with SPARK Philippines, the city government has also institutionalized the Vote to Tote program with Upcycling and Repurposing tarps. Under the program, tarpaulins and election campaign paraphernalia are collected and converted into fashionable bags, which are then sold in department stores and at pop-up events, rather than being sent to landfills.
Another livelihood initiative is the launching of “Cup of Joy” – a coffee shop established inside the QCJFD facility and managed by PDLs under the supervision of the Welfare and Development Unit.
As part of their preparation, PDLs have undergone a 3-month barista training provided by the Social Services Development Department (SSDD), which aims to help develop their skills and enables them to earn and save money that they can use in life after detention.
As of March 2026, 291 are part of livelihood programs.
After Care Program
In collaboration with the SSDD, QCJFD has introduced the After Care and Reintegration Program for released PDLs. Under the program, the released PDLs are given financial assistance to start their new life and/or start a livelihood.
As of March 2026, 162 released PDLs have received capital assistance.
For more information about the program, please coordinate with the QC GAD Council or contact the departments responsible for the mentioned programs.
