300 PDLs across Caraga graduate from ALS
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —A total of 300 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the various jail facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Caraga region completed their studies under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program.
Some of the PDL graduates earned Elementary Level certificates, while others finished either the Junior High School Level or the Senior High School Level for the school year 2024-2025.
The graduates came from various facilities,
including Bayugan City Jail, Bislig City Jail, Butuan City Jail Female and Male
Dormitory, Surigao City Jail, Cabadbaran City District Jail, Surigao del Norte
District Jail, Surigao del Sur District Jail, Bislig District Jail,
Cantilan District Jail, Lianga District Jail, and Surigao del Norte District
Jail Annex (Dapa), each holding its own ceremony where PDLs donned graduation
caps and proudly received their certificates with the presence of their
respective families.
The Department of Education’s (DepEd) program on
ALS, through strategic partnership with the BJMP, aims to provide PDLs
with quality education that prepares them for reintegration into society. The
program also gives them tools to build a better future and promote inclusive
and transformative education behind bars.
Jail Senior Superintendent Arvin T. Abastillas,
assistant regional director for administration of BJMP Caraga commended the graduates
for their determination to continue learning despite the challenges of
incarceration.
“This milestone proves that education knows no
walls. Our PDLs have shown that with the right support, rehabilitation is
possible, and a new chapter in life can begin. BJMP will continue its mission
in providing developmental opportunities for the PDLs,” said Abastillas.
He noted that the lessons taught go beyond
academics. It also includes life skills, values formation, and livelihood
knowledge, all of which are crucial for life after release.
Jessa, one of the ALS graduates from Butuan City
Jail Female Dormitory, shared that she was not able to complete her elementary
education before due to poverty and early marriage.
“Now, with the help of ALS, I am moving up to
junior high school.”
“I am happy and beyond grateful to BJMP and DepEd
for implementing ALS. This allowed me to continue my education. There is a
different sense of happiness and fulfillment if one has education. I can
now apply for a job,” she said. “I can use all the knowledge and skills that I
learned after my release.”
The ALS program inside BJMP facilities is part of
the bureau’s holistic rehabilitation approach, alongside the skills training,
spiritual programs, and livelihood projects to empower PDLs to be productive
and law-abiding citizens once they regain their freedom.
With this year’s graduates setting an example of perseverance and resilience, BJMP Caraga and DepEd vow to sustain and strengthen the ALS initiative, ensuring that every willing PDL in the region gets the chance to continue their education and rewrite their future. (MFC, PIA Butuan City)
