SAN PEDRO CITY LAGUNA –Make no mistake about it, but handicrafts such as bags created by people inside ‘bars’ do not go unnoticed after all.

This was proven by Zonta Club of Laguna under the leadership of its president — San Pedro City Representative Ann Matibag of Laguna — after bags painstakingly crafted by women incarcerated at San Pedro City jail have attracted international acclaims.

No less than the United Nation Women Representative in Indonesia and ASEAN Liaison, Hon. Ulziisuren Jamsran, a staunch advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, who commended Zonta Club’s great initiative meant to recognize the talent and resilience of women inside the San Pedro City jail.

“These bags immediately caught my eye not only because of their style and craftsmanship but because each one carries a unique and powerful story,” Ambassador Jamsran said.

“They are stitched with resilience, courage, and hope. This initiative does more than provide economic opportunity—it restores dignity and affirms the value of every woman, regardless of her circumstances,” stated Jamsran.

Jamsran not only lauded Matibag’s no-nonsense initiative that showcases rehabilitation, dignity and creativity of women behind bars; she also expressed her keen interest to place an order for more bags fashioned by those women inside cell.

As part of Zonta’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment through livelihood programs, handcrafted bags made by women detainees were selected as official tokens for the members of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly 2025 (WAIPA).

Each bag, designed and lovingly sewn within the jail walls, reflects powerful stories of transformation, strength, and hope.

Aside from Jamsran, among the distinguished recipients of bags were Hon. Safiah Salam (Brunei Darussalam), Hon. Lork Kheng (Cambodia), Hon. Dr. Adde Rosi Khoerunnisa (Indonesia), Hon. Madame Thoummaly Vongphachanh (Lao PDR), Hon. Patsarin Ramwong (Thailand), Hon. Nguyen Thanh Cam (Vietnam), Hon. Maria Grou-Mali Barreto (Timor Leste), and Hon. Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia anak Brodi (Malaysia).

Visibly impressed by the women’s skills and talent reflected in their products, Jamsran left an inspiring message for the women of San Pedro City Jail: “To all the women courageously walking the path of transformation, know that your strength does not go unnoticed. Every stitch is a step forward. You are not defined by your past but by your ability to grow, contribute, and rise. Keep believing in yourselves. The world needs your talent, your resilience, and your voice.”

Matibag, who was elected unopposed as congressman for the second term, expressed heartfelt appreciation of the acclaims the Zonta Club of Laguna earned.

“This initiative is a testament to the belief that women—regardless of where they are—can be agents of positive change. We are immensely proud of the women at San Pedro Jail for showing that rehabilitation is not only possible but powerful,” Matibag said.

“With the support of global leaders like Ambassador Jamsran, we hope to expand this program and offer even more opportunities for these women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose,” she added.

The project exemplifies Zonta’s mission: to build a better world for women and girls—one life, one skill, one stitch, and one second chance at a time.