Education does not stop at the jail gates.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), is ensuring that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) continue to access education and skills training to prepare them for reintegration into society.

To date, 10,739 PDLs have completed elementary and high school levels while in detention through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System. As an attached agency of the DILG, BJMP has operational and administrative control over all city, district, and municipal jails in the country.

PDLs enrolled under ALS also receive their Time Allowance for Studying, Teaching, and Mentoring, as provided under Republic Act 10592, recognizing their effort to improve themselves while serving time.

Beyond basic education, 107 PDLs have earned their college degrees under the Tertiary Education Behind Bars Program in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education. An additional 720 PDLs are currently enrolled in various degree programs, with BJMP actively working to expand this initiative by building new partnerships with colleges and universities nationwide.

PDLs are also being equipped with livelihood and technical skills to boost their employment prospects post-release. In coordination with TESDA and civil society partners, 112,707 PDLs have completed training programs in carpentry, electronics, welding, arts and crafts, and small-scale entrepreneurship.

These results reflect the government’s commitment to holistic and meaningful rehabilitation, aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s call to build “a world where justice and compassion prevail.” Through continued investment in education and livelihood training, the DILG and BJMP are enabling PDLs to return to society as reformed and productive citizens.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Learning-Behind-Bars-Over-10k-PDLs-complete-basic-education-earn-college-degrees-112k-finish-skills-training/NC-2025-1095