Elderly PDLs in Agusan Sur earn diplomas through ALS
By NiΓ±a Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a powerful display of resilience and hope, two elderly persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) aged 57 and 60 from the Agusan del Sur provincial correctional facility proved that age and circumstance are no match for determination.
Through
the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd),
among the 46 PDLs who graduated, one successfully completed elementary education,
while another earned a junior high school diploma, both within the confines of
the correctional facility.
“You have
proven today that being behind bars is not a hindrance toward attaining your
education,” said Ivy Claire Morales, ALS focal person of DepEd Agusan del Sur
during the ALS graduation ceremony of the Agusan del Sur provincial
correctional facility.
“We are
looking forward for these graduates to proceed to the next level, and hopefully
to have more students in the next batch of ALS learners inside the facility,”
she added.
Their
journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. Despite the
limitations of incarceration and the challenges of aging, these individuals
embraced the opportunity to rewrite their stories—one lesson, one module, one
exam at a time.
“I will
continue studying so I can achieve my goals in life,” said the 57-year old PDL
under the alias ‘Jun,’ who was among the ALS graduates.
“For the
elderly, such as myself, it is never too late to continue your education.
Getting a degree will be a big help for us to reach our dreams and ambitions in
life,” he further encouraged.
The
initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of the Agusan del
Sur Provincial Correctional and Security Management Office (PCSMO), which
partnered with DepEd Agusan del Sur and other government agencies to bring ALS
directly into the jail.
“We
believe that even in a controlled environment, every person deserves the
opportunity to grow, heal, and start anew,” expressed Christopher Rey L.
Bardilas, acting provincial government department head of Agusan del Sur PCSMO.
“With the
help of our valued partner, DepEd Agusan del Sur, and the support given by our
provincial leaders, Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., Congressional
Representatives Eddie Bong Plaza and Alfelito Bascug, we aim to equip our PDLs
with the knowledge and skills they need for reintegration into society,” he
added.
The program provided flexible, learner-centered instruction tailored to the unique needs of adult learners, especially those who had long been disconnected from formal education. (NJGD/PIA Caraga with reports from PPIO and PCSMO Agusan del Sur)
