About 86 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the San Carlos City District Jail (SCCDJ) graduated from basic elementary education and junior high school, through the Department of Education-Alternative Learning System (ALS) May 31.
The theme for this year’s End of School Year Rites is “Kabataang Pilipino Para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan ng Bagong Pilipinas”, and 46 completers for the elementary and 40 for junior high school received their certificates and diploma.
Seven of the elementary completers were female PDLs, and five in junior high, the city said in a press release June 1.
Education program specialist Maricar Domecillo, on behalf of OIC-Schools Division superintendent Dennis Develos, said that their commitment and efforts are always geared towards the attainment of the Matatag programs of the present administration, and in collaboration with the local government unit and education stakeholders.
Chief hearing officer, Atty. Juniven Rey Umadhay, of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region 6, in his message, emphasized the importance of education as a transformative tool.
He reminded the PDLs that no matter how dark their past may be, education has the power to change their lives and make them more productive in society.
He congratulated the PDLs for their diligence, and lauded them for being able to obtain their diplomas despite their circumstances.
The distribution of certificates and diplomas was led by Jail Chief Inspector Felix Sariana, assisted by SCCDJ Welfare and Development chief, SJO1 Wilbeth Gantalao.
ALS graduates Jinggoy and Jocelyn said despite their situation and age, they are grateful for the opportunity to pursue their education and finish the primary and secondary education.
They thanked the BJMP and DepEd staff for their collaborative effort to transform their lives through education.
The event was also attended by education program specialist II Jovel Leduna, DepEd-ALS teachers, parents, and guardians of the graduates. ||
