TACLOBAN CITY — Sixty persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have begun their college education inside the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) in Abuyog, Leyte, under a program aimed at preparing them for rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the community.
The pioneering PDL students underwent a general orientation on Sept. 1 conducted by the Abuyog Community College (ACC) and facilitated by the LRP Education and Training Section at the College Makeshift Classroom of the Maximum Security Camp.
The orientation introduced the students to their new academic environment, school policies, responsibilities and requirements as they pursue higher education while serving their sentences inside the prison facility.
ACC president Clemelle Montallana welcomed the students and underscored the importance of giving PDLs opportunities to pursue their educational aspirations despite their present circumstances.
LRP Superintendent C/SSUPT Ruben Formoso also congratulated the 60 pioneering students and urged them to remain committed to their studies, emphasizing determination, perseverance and responsibility throughout their academic journey.
The orientation included discussions on ACC’s academic and organizational framework, academic policies, student responsibilities and expectations, as well as student services and support programs available to PDL learners.
It also tackled the roles of various stakeholders and the support mechanisms needed to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of Project PAGLAUM.
Sports, intramurals and other physical activities were also discussed as part of efforts to promote the students’ holistic development while inside the correctional facility.
CO2 Noli Ann Billo, acting deputy superintendent for reformation, said the program reflects the prison’s effort to go beyond confinement by providing PDLs opportunities for education, personal development and reform.
“We are doing our best here not only to keep them imprisoned, but to reform them so that they will be accepted when they are released. If they remain here without being reformed, then we are not fulfilling our mandate,” Billo said.
Project PAGLAUM is a collaborative initiative between LRP and ACC that provides PDLs access to higher education as part of their rehabilitation and personal development.
The program forms part of the LRP’s continuing educational and reformation initiatives designed to help PDLs develop skills, values and knowledge that could help them prepare for their eventual return to the community.
The LRP is implementing the program under the leadership of Formoso and the direction of Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
