TACLOBAN CITY—Education took center stage at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) as 139 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) celebrated a historic milestone after completing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program in the facility’s first-ever graduation ceremony.
The graduates consisted of 50 learners under the Basic Literacy Program (Kinder to Grade 3 level), 34 elementary completers, 35 junior high school graduates, and 20 senior high school learners for School Year 2025–2026.
The milestone highlighted the role of education in rehabilitation and personal development, demonstrating that learning opportunities can remain accessible even within correctional facilities.
In his salutatory address, the top junior high school PDL learner described the graduation as both a celebration of academic achievement and perseverance.
“Hindi lang po ito pagdiriwang ng pagtatapos, kundi pagdiriwang din ng ating pagsisikap. Bilang mga PDL learners, marami po tayong pinagdaanan, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng ALS, nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na mapatunayan na ang edukasyon ay susi sa magandang kinabukasan. Nawa’y maging inspirasyon ang okasyong ito upang patuloy tayong mangarap at magsikap para sa ating kinabukasan,” he said.
Governor Harris Ongchuan congratulated the completers for pursuing education despite their circumstances. He emphasized that the diplomas they received symbolize not only academic accomplishment but also perseverance, courage, and the opportunity to begin a new chapter in life.
Schools Division Superintendent Gaudencio Aljibe Jr., District In-Charge Dr. Raquel G. Perfas, and District ALS Coordinator Joy Balando-Sayde likewise underscored the importance of education in equipping individuals with knowledge, values, and skills necessary to become responsible and productive members of society.
Meanwhile, OIC Provincial Warden EnP Jay Keenson Acebuche highlighted the significance of the ALS program in supporting rehabilitation efforts within the provincial jail. He said education remains an effective tool for restoring dignity, building self-confidence, and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.
The ALS program was implemented through the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, the Department of Education, the Northern Samar Provincial Jail, volunteer teachers, and other education stakeholders.
The initiative is part of the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive and transformative development by extending educational opportunities to marginalized sectors, including PDLs.
Volunteer teachers, jail personnel, and education partners were also recognized for their efforts in ensuring that learning remained accessible inside the correctional facility.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
