THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) yesterday formalized their partnership to expand educational opportunities through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for inmates under the latter’s care.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) underscores the
importance of education as a key component in rehabilitation and reintegration and highlights the shared commitment of the two agencies to improve the well-being and educational rights of persons deprived of liberty (PDLS).
He added that the MOA will boost the BJMP’s “Tagapangalaga Ko, Guro Ko” program, which has been instrumental in providing continued education to inmates since 2010.
“Together, we’re not just giving education; we are providing hope, we are providing dignity, we are providing a brighter future,” Angara said.
DepEd records show that some 2,000 inmates have enrolled in the ALS over the past three years.
For school year 2023-2024, there are 5,596 PDLs who are enrolled in elementary; 9,286 in junior high school; and 5,983 in senior high school under the program.
“Through this MOA, we are reinforcing our commitment to leave no one behind. With your help, we reaffirm that every Filipino, no matter their circumstances, deserves a chance to learn and grow,” Angara said.
For his part, BJMP chief Ruel Rivera expressed his gratitude to the DepEd for its dedication to creating meaningful change in the lives of inmates.
“Ang inisyatibong ito ay isang patunay ng pinagsamang pagsisikap ng BJMP katuwang ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon na sumasailalim sa isang layunin na lumikha ng mas makatarungan at makataong lipunan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahalaga sa edukasyon (This initiative is a testament to the effort of the BJMP and the Department of Education to have a just and humane society where education is given primacy),” Rivera said.
He said that by expanding educational access, the DepEd will play a crucial role in developing the skills of inmates, boosting their self-esteem, and preparing them for reintegration to society.
