Happy occasion A family member congratulates an inmate of the Manila City Jail during the graduation rites of over 600 prisoners who completed various vocational courses under the Alternative Learning System. ALFONSO PADILLA

Over 600 inmates of the Manila City Jail yesterday received their certificates of completion of various vocational courses under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education.

The 617 inmates of the city jail’s male dormitory underwent training on various vocational courses that included massage therapy, tile setting and pastry and bread making.

A simple graduation ceremony was held inside the city jail to formally acknowledge they completed all the requirements under the ALS.

The graduation took the theme “Bringing the Mountain to Mohammed,” consistent with the concept of the ALS to provide education outside the formal school setting.

Police officials said the ALS will help inmates acquire new skills they can use to lead productive lives out of jail after serving their sentences.

The ALS was established to provide all Filipinos the chance to complete basic education in a manner that fits their distinct situations and needs. EWB