By Julliane Nicole B. Labinghisa

Along with two other winners, Far Eastern University (FEU) won People Program of the Year with its ‘Bread of Hope’ initiative at the 62nd People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Annual Conference held at NUSTAR Resort & Casino, Cebu City, last October 23.  

The People Program of the Year also named Franklin Baker, Incorporated and Eastwest Banking Corporation. 

The Bread of Hope is a joint program of the FEU Community Extension Services (CES) and the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) that focuses on teaching bread and pastry skills to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory.  

Moreover, it is an activity under Project HOPE (Harnessing Offenders’ Personal Empowerment) that was launched in the 1990s, catering to both the male and female dormitories of the Manila City Jail, but after its relaunch, it focused on the female dormitory. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, ITHM Dean Harold Bueno stated that the main objectives of the program are to provide PDLs access to opportunities and equip them with beneficial practical skills they can use as they reintegrate with the community.

“This initiative aims to give PDLs renewed hope by equipping them with livelihood skills they can use to rebuild their lives once they return to society,” Bueno said. 

Similarly, FEU CES Director Luzelle Ann Ormita shared in a separate online interview that the people behind Project HOPE are individuals who want to reach out and share their expertise with the community.

According to Ormita, Project HOPE caters to the diverse needs of the PDLs, targeting different capacity-building programs such as livelihood, psychological services, health services, literacy programs, and recreational activities. 

“Bread of Hope brought hope to the PDLs. More than just baking of breads, it’s the impact of it on the people. Psychologically, it’s the stories of people who were part of Bread of Hope, particularly the PDLs,” the FEU CES Director shared.

Ormita also mentioned that the Bread of Hope program was able to help the PDLs mentally, emotionally, and financially, as they were able to sell the bread that they had made.

During the pandemic, the Bread of Hope program continued to teach PDLs in an online setup through video calls. 

In addition, the ITHM Dean shared that his main motivation in pursuing the activities under Project HOPE is to support community engagement and make a lasting impact beyond the classroom. 

“Bread of Hope embodies FEU changing lives and PDLs changing the FEU community, too. It creates a meaningful exchange between PDLs and volunteers—empowering those inside while inspiring those who serve,” Bueno expressed.

Additionally, Bueno stated that the other activities of Project HOPE includes Spread of HOPE which aims to address the needs and transform the lives of PDLs.

It also includes the production of ITHM corporate scarves and neckties uniform made by the PDLs, with the fabric sourced from the Mangyan Community to support not only the PDLs but also indigenous communities.

Moreover, from teaching only a few classic Filipino breads, the roster of breads and pastries taught in the program has expanded to roughly 36 different kinds since its relaunch.

The PMAP Awards is an annual conference that recognizes outstanding leaders and organizations for their excellence, innovation, and people-centered leadership. 
(Photo courtesy of People Management Association of the Philippines)