This qualitative research explores the stories and narratives of mothers who are deprived of liberty in the jails of Ilocos Norte. The dominant discourse of women as weak, inferior, and dependent makes them more vulnerable to inequalities and abuses especially that they are locked out from the society, powerless to function as normal wife, partner, and mothers. 

This study explored the stories of mothers ,how they continue, negotiate, and shift their “mothering” role behind bars. It also sought to describe their struggles and pains while emotionally and physically absent from their families, specially being detached from their roles as mother to their children. It also aimed at navigating the intrinsic and extrinsic coping mechanism they personally employ and obtain from the jail. Through this study it could provide a better view of their stories and struggles inside the carceral spaces. The unheard voices of these mothers could influence researchers, scholars, educators and other stakeholders in generating gender-based and just programs and activities for their eventual reintegration in the society and to enable the to fully function as “good mothers” for their children. Total institutions anyway, are meant to rehabilitate them more than punishing them of the crimes they have committed or accused of.

      One of the goals of the Extension Directorate of the Mariano Marcos State University is to harness the potentials, strengthen the capabilities, and develop the competencies of the target clientele directed at improving human welfare and community life through training and continuing education. Through the result of this study, this goal could be realized. It could serve as other venue where public support to the university could be returned not only to those who have access to formal education but most importantly to those marginalized in the society. 

     At the level of BJMP’s policy analysis the findings can provide significant insights on potential failings, misgivings, abuses as well as exemplary programs and services by the jail authorities. This information can be used as bases for needed reforms for the negatives and further development for the positives. Developing support systems and services, in the form of policy amendment or support services intervention, can improve learning about the condition of women inmates not only in Laoag City Jail but in all jails in Ilocos Norte in the long run.

     Furthermore, the result of the study will also contribute to the promotion, protection and fulfillment of women’s rights being upheld by the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, The Correctional Institution for Women and other inter- agencies protecting the rights of women and children. Women’s role as life givers for the nation is worthy of attention, mothers who are in confinement need the same if not more attention so that the cycle of disempowerment will not be endless. The findings of this study will be crucial in their  eventual reintegration in the “free world”.