Hotel sources handicrafts from local Ma-a prison to bring purpose, hope and meaning to inmates seeking to lead better lives.

Not everyone who commits a crime deserves to be punished for life. To give remorseful offenders a second chance, and help them sustain themselves and their families even while incarcerated, dusitD2 Davao has purchased more than 14,000 traditional handicrafts – made by inmates at Davao City Jail in Ma-a – which will be gifted to guests on arrival.

Recognizing that many of the inmates lack the privilege of growing up in a family where love was nurtured and experienced, and where no concept of right or wrong was taught, this unique programme aims to give the inmates hope and prepare them for life once free from prison. They have learned various trades and skills to create handmade products such as wallets, bracelets, luggage tags, etc.

"We believe in the importance of making an impact in and out of the grounds of the hotel," said Christoph Kuch, Resident Manager, dusitD2 Davao. "This project came about from two things – our commitment to delight our guests and our desire to take care of others, including the communities around us. We take pride not only in providing the inmates with a source of income but also in instilling the same values we live by as part of the Dusit organization. By creating something with their own hands, they are able to commit to a purpose, adapt a can-do mindset, and, most importantly, care and contribute to the community."