Ronald, now 49, openly shares that five years ago, he was incarcerated for drug-related offenses. Today, he is resolute in leaving his past behind, fully dedicated to a renewed life. He works hard to support his family's finances, assisting his mother with their small business and becoming a reliable presence in their lives. Free from drugs, Ronald now lives in peace, focusing on his livelihood and obeying his loving mother.
He is currently employed by a businessman who owns a well-known restaurant in Tagaytay City where he serves as an errand boy, responsible for purchasing raw produce from a known large market-wholesaler based in Manila. In addition to his job, Ronald volunteers with the Quezon City Mayor’s Task Forces on fire and disaster, assisting in evacuating victims during fires and other calamities when these events occur.
Before his imprisonment, Ronald's life was vastly different. His family was not quite impoverished—his father, a butcher, earned a decent living, and Ronald had only one sibling. However, he fell into bad company and began using illegal drugs. His stubbornness and rebelliousness caused great distress to his family particularly his mother who struggled to keep him away from harmful influences. His mother’s worst fears were realized when Ronald was arrested while retrieving an item, even though he wasn’t in possession of drugs at the time.
Ronald spent over a year in prison, where he reflected on his past mistakes. His mother tirelessly sought his release, and eventually, Ronald plea bargained, admitting to his crime. He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months and could still apply for Probation but this entails a more tedious process.
Desperately wanting immediate help, Ronald's mother approached PRESO Inc., an organization known for aiding deserving first-time and impoverished offenders. PRESO Inc. with his lawyer, Atty. Lucman, proposed filing for Release on Recognizance (ROR). PRESO facilitated all the required endorsements from two respected local community officials who would vouch for Ronald's potential for change. PRESO coordinated with the officials, the lawyer and the judge. After one last online hearing, the judge, convinced by these officials’ statements, decided to release Ronald on September 1, 2020.
Ronald is deeply grateful to everyone who helped him. PRESO Inc. thru its designated Case Worker regularly monitored, guided and counseled Ronald. Thanks to a PRESO partner, the Rotary Club of Midtown’s "Padyak Pangkabuhayan" (livelihood project thru the use of a customized tricycle), Ronald also earns a daily income to support their street food business, supplementing his present salary. He has also repaid a business capital loan provided by another PRESO partner, the El Proveedores Foundation. He and his mother also continue to participate in the annual gatherings and values formation activities of PRESO. Ronald was profoundly moved by all these and the kindness of all others who gave him a second chance.
Ronald is determined to stay on this path, recognizing that his time in prison as well as his association with PRESO Inc. taught him to value the people who continue to love him. His transformation is now evident to everyone around him, and his community views him in a positive light. His life is now quiet, peaceful, and filled with hope for a better future. He is deeply grateful to the Lord and those who believed in him, never forgetting the people who were part of his journey to freedom. He proudly declares that he is a new man, and with God's help, he will remain so because, as he says, it truly is possible!
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If you wish to help Ronald build his new life and livelihood, please reach out to PRESO Inc. or visit its Facebook page
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