DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Education knows no boundaries, even behind bars. This was a powerful message as thirty-three inmates from Iligan City Jail graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) on Monday, July 1.
The graduates, comprising 12 elementary, 20 junior high school, and one senior high school student, celebrated their achievement under the theme ‘Kabataang Pilipino Para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan ng Bagong Pilipinas.’ This milestone marks a significant step in their journey toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Key leaders of Iligan City, including JCI Carlo F. Obrique, JINSP Mary Rose S. Pacana (city jail warden), and Dr. Avemar T. Gonzaga (Iligan City Schools Division ALS focal person), were present to highlight the collaboration between jail management and the Department of Education. This partnership aims to provide inmates with crucial educational opportunities for their future.
The ALS program at Iligan City Jail is part of a broader educational initiative that includes vocational courses such as basic house wiring, computer literacy, and English proficiency under the ‘Behind the Bars Program.’ Launched in November 2023 in collaboration with MSU-IIT and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region X (BJMPRO-X), this program equips inmates with essential skills for reintegration into society, including entrepreneurship, literacy, and craftsmanship.
Plans include adding courses in cooking, baking, cosmetology, tote bag making, canvas and T-shirt printing, welding, computer-aided drafting, sketching, and Photoshop. Additionally, an upcoming initiative, the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB), seeks to partner with tertiary institutions to offer higher education to incarcerated individuals.
Among the graduates is Ronald, 36, who completed his junior high school curriculum and plans to start senior high school at the facility in October while awaiting the resolution of his case. Ronald expressed his gratitude for the ALS program, noting that poverty had previously prevented him from finishing school, leading him to sell drugs to support his family.
Obrique emphasized the significance of the inmates’ achievements, stating, “Their diplomas symbolize resilience and determination, underscoring the importance of public support for inmates seeking redemption.”
Recently, Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory launched the ‘Higayon 2.0’ campaign, aimed at promoting the facility’s dynamic rehabilitation and development programs. ‘Higayon,’ a Cebuano term meaning ‘chance,’ advocates for second chances for inmates, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment and highlighting the vital role of support systems in their reintegration into society.
The graduation ceremony demonstrated that the inmates had developed themselves within the facility, it also means they are ready to embrace the opportunities awaiting them once their cases are resolved. With dignity, hope, and positive change, they can rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
