Daily Tribune
FROM SENTENCE TO SEMESTER Seven inmates just graduated college while serving time — proving you can still turn the page even when you're behind bars.
Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) announced that seven persons deprived of liberty (PDL) have graduated from college while behind bars, with 35 more currently enrolled in higher education programs.
In line with the BJMP’s 34th anniversary, spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera highlighted the agency’s achievements in an interview on Friday, July 4.
Bustinera emphasized the importance of educational and livelihood programs in improving the morale and rehabilitation of PDLs.
“It boosts their morale and improves their rehabilitation, so that when they will not commit crime upon release,” he said.
The BJMP provides various educational opportunities for inmates in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“We are grateful to the Department of Education for the Alternative Learning System, which allows inmates to complete up to junior high school. Through TESDA, they can earn NC II certificates, which they can use to find jobs upon release. And through CHED, we have successfully graduated seven PDLs from college, with over 30 more currently enrolled,” Bustinera shared.
He revealed that 35 PDLs are currently enrolled in entrepreneurship courses, most of them studying through the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) via a partnership with the Manila City Jail.
“We have 35 inmates currently enrolled in college-level entrepreneurship courses. Most of them are studying through PUP, in coordination with Manila City Jail. Our support includes providing educational materials. The setup is hybrid and online learning,” Bustinera added.
He also underscored the positive impact these programs have on the future of PDLs, helping them rebuild their lives and improve their chances of employment after serving their sentence.
“Aside from earning good conduct time allowances that reduce their sentence, it also boosts their morale. When they regain their freedom, they are more competitive in finding jobs and earning a living,” he said.
