A total 220 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) have earned their elementary and junior high school diplomas through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (DepEd – ALS) program at Manila City Jail – Female Dormitory.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said it is part of its commitment to the national agenda of improving the delivery of basic education to Filipinos by ensuring that even PDL are enrolled in the ALS program.

“The BJMP’s care is not limited to securing their safety but more importantly in supporting them to become productive members of our society,” BJMP chief, Jail Director Ruel Rivera, said in a statement on Friday.

Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte graced the moving-up ceremony of the 220 PDL on Wednesday.

In her message, Duterte recognized the inmates’ perseverance to pursue education amid incarceration.

“Hindi magiging madali ang buhay. Pero kahit hindi ito madali, lalong lalo na sa inyo [PDL], magiging puno ito ng oportunidad kung marunong lang kayong tumingin sa mga positibo sa mga bagay na nangyayari sa buhay ninyo (Life is not going to be easy. But even if it’s not easy, especially for you [PDL] it will be full of opportunities if you only know how to look at the positives in the things that are happening in your life),” Duterte said.

She also thanked the officials of the BJMP, particularly the Manila City Jail-Female Dormitory for the successful implementation of the “Bantay Nyo, Guro Nyo” program.

Since 2018, the Jail Bureau has produced 34,244 PDL graduates through the ALS program.

Currently, 18,883 PDL in 403 out of 479 jails under the BJMP are enrolled in the program.

Pursuant to Republic Act 10592 or the amended Revised Penal Code, all PDL enrolled in the ALS are entitled to earn their allotted Time Allowance for Teaching, Studying and Mentoring. (PNA)