PUMA Philippines Team with CIW Acting Superintendent CT Supt. Marjorie Sanidad, DOJ Usec. Margarita Gutierrez and host Karen Bordador.
Nearly one hundred persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong were given a pair of rubber shoes by PUMA Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Kababaihan Organization, and Radio Jock and Events Host Karen Bordador.
The donation was a gift to the women PDLs involved in sports and dance programs—activities they use as forms of self-expression, healing, and, under the Revised Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), a way to reduce their jail time.
The turnover ceremony, held on May 29, 2025, was a significant occasion for the PDLs, many of whom were barefoot or had been using worn-out footwear. As the PDLs received their shoes, many shared their heartfelt gratitude.
“Sobra po ang pasasalamat namin kasi ibig sabihin po nito, hindi niyo kami nakakalimutan dito sa loob. Makakaasa po kayo na pinagsisikapan naming maging mabuting tao para makalabas kami agad gamit ang sapatos na binigay ninyo,” shared one PDL.
Another PDL showed her worn-out shoes, which she had painstakingly stitched together to remain usable, “Since pumasok po ako dito, ito na po ang sapatos ko. Tinatahi ko lang po ito para may magamit. Itong binigay niyong sapatos ay simbulo ng paglaya.” She also shared that she had recently been acquitted and would soon be released.
PDLs get a pair of Puma shoes
The initiative came about when DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez and Karen Bordador attended a performance by CIW dancers
Nearly one hundred persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong were given a pair of rubber shoes by PUMA Philippines
The initiative came about when DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez and Karen Bordador attended a performance by CIW dancers, many of whom were dancing barefoot. Seeing this, both Gutierrez and Bordador—long-time advocates for PDL redemption and rehabilitation—were moved to action.
They decided to find sponsors to provide shoes for the PDLs, leading to Kababaihan reaching out to PUMA Philippines–who were eager to support the cause.
Cristina Fernando, Sales Head of PUMA Philippines, expressed her gratitude for being part of this meaningful initiative. “We are truly honored to contribute to this cause,” Fernando shared. She, along with her team—Julienne Nasol, Caterine Sabaupan, Meryl Galapin, and Juliana Rebong—personally attended the ceremony to meet the beneficiary PDLs. PUMA Philippines has long supported initiatives that benefit marginalized communities and contribute to nation-building.
Bordador also addressed the group, emphasizing that the donation should serve as a reminder for the PDLs to keep moving forward, “Ito na yung sign na may magandang buhay na nag-aantay sa inyo sa labas,” she said.
Gutierrez shared the emotional impact of the donation, “When they received the shoes, a lot of them cried. Ang tagal na nilang naghihintay na may mag donate sa kanila ng sapatos. It really gave them hope and motivated them to keep striving to be better so that when they leave the CIW, they can live better lives.”
CIW Acting Superintendent CT/SUPT. Marjorie Sanidad expressed her sincere gratitude to PUMA Philippines, DOJ, Kababaihan, and Bordador for their invaluable support. “This initiative goes beyond just providing shoes—it’s about offering hope and empowering our PDLs.
It gives them a chance to heal, express themselves, and pursue their passions. Your generosity is helping them take one step closer to becoming better individuals and reintegrating into society,” she said.