Nineteen female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) earned their Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship degree in Quezon City, the city government announced on Saturday, September 28.
According to the city’s public information office, the graduation ceremony was held at Camp Karingal, Quezon City.
The initiative is under the “No Woman Left Behind” program, which is specifically designed for PDLs.
City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gomez, and Gender and Development Council (GADC) Secretary Janete Oviedo led the ceremony.
“Nakatataba ng puso na makitang mayroon nang college degree ang ating mga PDL. Patunay lang ito na hindi hadlang ang bilangguan para lang makapag-aral at makamit ang pangarap (It is heartwarming to see that our Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) now have college degrees. This is proof that being in prison is not a barrier to pursuing education and achieving one's dreams),” Belmonte said.
During the ceremony, Quezon City University (QCU) Dean of College of Business Administration and Accountancy Dr. Gerardo Bautista presented the graduates, while QCU President Dr. Theresita Atienza conferred the degrees.
The city government said that among the 19 graduates, six have been released and completed the program online, while the 12 PDLs remain in detention.
It added that the graduates will have the chance to benefit from the Pangkabuhayang QC assistance program and the Tindahan ni Ate Joy initiative.
The graduates will also have employment opportunities from the city’s Public Employment Services Office (QCPESO) once they are released.
The tertiary program was launched to give PDLs the opportunity to complete a college degree within two years, utilizing a blended learning approach, which includes face-to-face and online classes.
The event was also attended by QC Jail Female Dormitory (QCJFD) Warden JCINSP. Lourvina Abrazado, and other officials from the city government and QCJFD.