Beyond Prison Walls: Tatay Sotto’s Journey of Faith, Creativity, and Second Chances

October 22, 2026 | Fourth Day of Prison Awareness Week

Almost 30 years in prison. A passion discovered in the midst of confinement. And a journey of hope that continues beyond the prison walls.

For Lee Joseph A. Sotto, fondly known as “Tatay Sotto,” every religious figurine he creates carries more than artistic skill. Each piece reflects a life that continues to find meaning, a heart that remains grateful, and a spirit that has not stopped hoping.

His story is a reminder that even in the most difficult chapters of life, something beautiful can still begin.

A Gift That Began Inside Prison

Tatay Sotto began making religious figurines in 2007. During a time when his world was shaped by the realities of incarceration, he discovered a way to express his creativity through his hands.

That same year, PJPS began extending its help to him. What started inside prison became part of a longer journey of accompaniment, one that continues today, even after he has been restored to liberty.

For Tatay Sotto, this support is something he carries with deep gratitude.

“Gumagawa na ako ng figurines simula noong 2007 at mula pa noong taon na 'yan, tinutulungan na ako ng PJPS hanggang ngayon.”

His words speak of a relationship that has endured through the years. Beyond the assistance he received, there is the deeper gift of knowing that someone continued to walk beside him.

For PJPS, this is at the heart of prison ministry. A person is never defined solely by the circumstances of incarceration. Every person deserves to be seen with compassion, accompanied with patience, and given opportunities to rediscover their gifts and build a more hopeful future.

When Creativity Becomes a Sign of Hope

Today, Tatay Sotto is known for his religious figurine crafts, creations that reflect his talent, patience, and devotion.

His works have been showcased through PJPS initiatives, including the Likhalaya Fair, where artworks and handicrafts created by Persons Deprived of Liberty and Persons Restored of Liberty are brought into the community.

The Likhalaya Fair, held under the theme Horizon of Hope, is more than a place to appreciate and purchase handmade creations. It offers an opportunity to encounter the people and stories behind them. Through these works, the community is invited to recognize the dignity, creativity, and potential of people whose lives have been affected by incarceration.

Every figurine made by Tatay Sotto carries a story worth knowing. It represents a talent nurtured over time, a passion that endured, and the possibility of creating something meaningful despite a difficult past.

His journey echoes the spirit of Likhalaya: that hope can be expressed through our gifts, dignity can be affirmed through meaningful opportunities, and transformation can become visible when people are given room to grow.

Gratitude for Those Who Never Stopped Believing

Tatay Sotto does not forget the people who have supported him throughout his journey. His gratitude extends to the leaders, staff, and everyone in PJPS who continue to serve Persons Deprived of Liberty and Persons Restored of Liberty.

“Kaya maraming salamat sa mga namumuno ng PJPS mula sa taas hanggang sa baba sa walang sawang pagtulong sa mga PDL at ngayon ay PRL. God bless you all. Mahal ko kayo.”

Behind these heartfelt words is a powerful truth: compassion leaves a lasting mark.

The generosity of donors, the dedication of staff and volunteers, and the support of partners help sustain a ministry that walks with people through difficult seasons and accompanies them as they begin again.

This work is not simply about providing assistance. It is about recognizing the person beyond the past, honoring the dignity that remains, and helping create opportunities for a life of renewed purpose.

Tatay Sotto's story reminds us that the fruits of compassion may unfold over many years. Sometimes, they appear in the form of a person discovering a talent. Sometimes, they are seen in a craft shared with the world. And sometimes, they are heard in a simple expression of gratitude from someone who knows what it means not to be forgotten.

A Future Shaped by Hope

As we mark the fourth day of Prison Awareness Week, may Tatay Sotto's journey invite us to look beyond prison walls and beyond the labels that society places on people.

A person's past may be part of their story, but it does not have to determine everything that follows.

With faith, accompaniment, meaningful opportunities, and a community willing to believe in second chances, people can continue discovering their gifts and contributing to the world around them.

This is the mission PJPS strives to live each day: to rebuild lives, rekindle hope, and restore dignity among Persons Deprived of Liberty, Persons Restored of Liberty, and their families.

You, too, can be part of this mission.

Together, let us build a community where no one is forgotten, where every person is treated with dignity, and where every new beginning is welcomed with hope.

Tatay Sotto's story reminds us that even after years of hardship, life can still bring forth something beautiful.

And sometimes, hope is found in the smallest details, carefully shaped by hand, carried by faith, and shared with love.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.