The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the tuition-free college education offered by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (PUPOU) to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Manila City Jail. 

In an agreement forged last July between the Manila City Jail and PUPOU, the free eduction will be for Bachelor of Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management and in Human Resource Management, and BS Entrepreneurship.

In a statement, the CHR said the partnership is a "significant step" in ensuring that even PDLs have access to opportunities for personal growth and improvement.

"The Commission remains resolute in affirming that education is a fundamental right of all individuals, including PDLs and those in conflict with the law. We believe that true rehabilitation and reformation can only be achieved when society upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity for everyone, especially PDLs," the CHR said.

Given the successful partnership between the Manila City Jail and PUP, the CHR expressed hopes that other universities, higher education institutions, and correctional facilities across the country will emulate what it called a "commendable" program.

"Such efforts not only foster the rehabilitation of PDLs but also strengthen the foundation of a society that values equality, opportunity, and the transformative power of education," the CHR said. 

"Programs like this underscore a moral and social imperative to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where everyone is given the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to the community," it said.