At least 120 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in the male dormitory of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here will benefit from legal education support through a new partnership with a local learning institution.

During the opening ceremony on Friday, Jail Senior Inspector Rene Michael Guangco, deputy warden at BJMP Cagayan de Oro Male Dormitory, highlighted that the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) aims to educate PDL about their rights and legal cases.

“This program was previously paused but is now reinstated. We welcome everyone to take part,” Guangco said.

The CLEP, organized by Liceo de Cagayan University’s College of Law, will involve law students visiting the dormitory to provide legal education to the PDL.

It is part of the inmates’ rehabilitation process before their reintegration into society.

Dr. Manuel Cabrera, college dean and lawyer, said he believes in second chances and hopes that CLEP will motivate participating PDL to become better citizens.

A memorandum of agreement between the BJMP national directorate and the Philippine Association of Law Schools, where Cabrera is also vice president for Mindanao, has been signed to implement CLEP across the country.

CLEP is an interactive course designed to give law students practical experience in applying the law, delivering legal services and promoting social justice.

The PDL will participate in eight CLEP sessions over the next five months. (PNA)