By Marc Eduard Mayacyac | PTV DMIS Intern
A total of 10,739 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have acquired elementary and high school education while in detention under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) offered by the Department of Education (DepEd), Malacañang said Wednesday.
This as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), continues to provide PDLs with access to education and skills training to prepare them for reintegration into society upon release.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that by investing in education and livelihood training, the government is providing a second chance for PDLs to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
This approach aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a society where justice and compassion prevail. As the BJMP continues to work towards providing opportunities for rehabilitation, it is clear that education and skills training are key components of this effort.
“Ang buhay ay mahalaga. Ang mga naligaw ng landas noon ay maaari pang bigyan ng pag-asa ngayon. Kaya paigtingin pa ang ‘Huli, Hindi Patay’ sa mga operasyon,” Castro said.
The BJMP’s efforts extend beyond basic education, with 107 PDLs earning college degrees under the Tertiary Education Behind Bars Program with coordination from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
In a press release, the DILG said that an additional 720 PDLs are currently enrolled in various degree programs, adding that the BJMP is working to expand this initiative through partnerships with colleges and universities.
Over 112,700 PDLs have likewise completed training programs in areas such as carpentry, electronics, and entrepreneurship in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provided livelihood and technical skills training to boost their employment prospects post-release.
Meanwhile, PDLs enrolled under ALS also received their Time Allowance for Studying, Teaching, and Mentoring, as provided under Republic Act No. 10592, recognizing their effort to improve themselves while serving time.
-bljc/av
