'Saludo sa pagpupursigi!' Over 10K PDLs finish basic education, hundreds earn college degrees – DILG
By Chito Chavez
(Photo: BJMP San Juan City Male Dormitory)
A total of 10,739 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) supervised by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) have completed various educational programs while in detention, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shared on Wednesday, July 9.
The PDLs successfully finished their elementary and high school levels through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), providing them with knowledge and skills that they can use to rebuild their lives once they go out of prison.
Beyond basic education, a total of 107 PDLs have also earned their college degrees under the Tertiary Education Behind Bars Program in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The DILG credited the sustained partnership among the BJMP, Department of Education (DepEd), CHED, and other partner institutions under the "Learning Behind Bars" program.
An additional 720 PDLs are currently enrolled in various degree programs, with BJMP actively working to expand the initiative by building new partnerships with colleges and universities nationwide.
The DILG noted that the PDLs enrolled under ALS also received their time allowance for studying, teaching, and mentoring, as provided under Republic Act (RA) 10592 or the “Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law” in recognition of their efforts to improve themselves while serving time.
Through the BJMP, the DILG has ensured that the PDLs “continue to access education and skills training to prepare them for reintegration into society.’’
As an attached agency of the DILG, BJMP has operational and administrative control over all city, district, and municipal jails in the country.
Further, the DILG noted that the PDLs are also being equipped with livelihood and technical skills to boost their employment prospects post-release.
In coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and civil society partners, a total of 112,707 PDLs have completed training programs in carpentry, electronics, welding, arts and crafts and small-scale entrepreneurship.
“These results reflect the government’s commitment to holistic and meaningful rehabilitation, aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s call to build a world where justice and compassion prevail. Through continued investment in education and livelihood training, the DILG and BJMP are enabling PDLs to return to society as reformed and productive citizens,” the DILG said.