KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) — Six persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the North Cotabato District Jail have recently graduated from senior high school (SHS), marking the facility’s first graduation ceremony.
Aside from the six getting their senior high school diplomas, 16 others in Grade 11 also participated in a moving-up ceremony.
The graduates completed their education through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), which is offered to persons deprived of liberty by Don Antonio Jayme Memorial High School (DAJMHS), located in Barangay Del Carmen, President Roxas, Cotabato, in collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
The initiative brought education inside the jail facility, allowing inmates to pursue their studies despite incarceration.
One of the teachers who initiated and dedicated his efforts to the project is Rodelio Resma, who shared how the transformative program began.
“Akala namin nakakatakot ‘yong sa loob ng kulungan. Pero as the time goes by, nakailang visit na kami, maganda pala talaga na makapagbigay tayo ng opportunity at second chance sa kanila,” Resma shared.
(We initially thought it was scary inside the prison. However, as time goes by and after several visits, it becomes clear that it’s important to give them an opportunity and a second chance.)
He then noted that the majority of them were interested in pursuing further education and transforming their lives for the better.
“Kasi marami sa kanila gusto naman talaganag magbago and wala naman silang ginagawa sa loob ng kulungan so ang program na to, isang magandang solusyon para sa kanila na hindi masayang yong years na stay nila dito,” he added.
(Because many of them genuinely want to change and are not engaged in any activities inside the prison, this program serves as a good solution for them, ensuring that their years of incarceration won’t be wasted.)
Beyond education, DAJMHS aids in restoring dignity by supporting the livelihoods of PDLs through promoting their handicrafts.
Furthermore, student leaders from the Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) also organize feeding programs and outreach initiatives in jail.
DAJMHS Senior High School Head Ana Myrna Llanto acknowledged the logistical challenges, especially in tracking student records, as many inmates come from remote areas of neighboring provinces.
Despite this, she conveyed a sense of pride in the achievement.
”Napakalaking pride ng Don Antonio kasi kahit nasa loob ng piitan, may napagraduate kami na anim. Ipinagmamalaki namin yan at sana sa susunod may mga pagbabago pa lalo na yong sa bagong curriculum,” Llanto expressed.
(Don Antonio takes immense pride because, even while in prison, we managed to graduate six individuals. We are proud of that achievement, and hopefully there will be further adjustments next time, especially with the new curriculum.)
The initiative is part of a broader effort by BJMP and DAJMHS to support the rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty through education and livelihood programs.
BJMP also emphasized that the graduation ceremony highlights the potential of education to empower individuals in their efforts to reintegrate into society. (CRM, PIA Cotabato Province)
