TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental — Six persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Tagoloan have earned their Alternative Learning System (ALS) diplomas, giving them a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives after serving their sentences.
The July 1 ceremony marked the first-ever ALS graduation in the history of BJMP Tagoloan, a milestone for the municipal jail that serves a town of more than 80,000 residents.
Most of the graduates are facing charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Acting Municipal Jail Warden Inspector Ceasar Paler said education is one of the jail's key rehabilitation programs aimed at preparing PDLs for life after release.
"Ang atoang PDL dili na pasabot nga mao na ang katapusan sa ilang kinabuhi. We are looking into their safekeeping and development. Once makagawas sila diri, tagaan pud nato sila ug chance nga makakita ug maayong panginabuhian," Paler said.
He said the program equips inmates with education and life skills to help them reintegrate into society and find better livelihood opportunities.
One graduate, identified only as "Rene" to protect his identity, completed his elementary education through ALS while in detention. He said the program gave him hope despite the mistakes that led to his imprisonment.
"Nagpasalamat gyud ko sa Ginoo nga bisan pa man sa nahitabo, nakahuman ko diri. Nagbasol ko, pero karon puno na ko sa paglaum," Rene said.
Paler also urged communities to give former PDLs a fair chance after their release, saying public acceptance is vital to preventing repeat offenses and helping them become productive members of society.
"Hopefully, as instruments of change, matagaan nato sila ug pagtagad ug at least a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance," he said.
He likewise recognized the ALS teachers for their commitment to bringing education inside the jail, saying their work helps open doors to better opportunities for people seeking a fresh start.
This year's graduation carried the theme: "Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character."
