Mandaue to launch ‘College Behind Bars’ Program for PDLs in July
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — College Behind Bars classes will begin this July in Mandaue City, offering higher education opportunities to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
The program, to be implemented by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Mandaue, will allow PDLs in both male and female dormitories to pursue a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. Qualified participants must have completed senior high school.
On Tuesday, March 25, Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano and Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon met with officials from BJMP-Mandaue, the Commission on Higher Education in Central Visayas (CHED-7), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7) to discuss the program’s implementation.
READ: 68 PDLs complete college, high school in Bilibid extension school
CHED-7 Regional Director Filomena Dayagbil and TESDA-7 Director Engr. Gamaliel Vicente Jr. were present during the meeting.
Mayor Ouano expressed support for the initiative, saying the city will allocate teachers and provide books through Mandaue City College to ensure PDLs can complete a college degree.
“For me, this is a good program. I think this is the first in the Visayas. We will support this in terms of providing teachers, books, and whatever they need,” Ouano said.
TESDA will also offer alternative skills training and livelihood programs for PDLs who may be released before completing their studies.
Ouano added that those released before finishing the program may continue their education at Mandaue City College.
READ: PDLs in Cebu granted the opportunity to complete college education
The mayor said the city is targeting implementation in July and is currently fine-tuning details such as course units and the frequency of teachers’ visits to the BJMP facility.
Officials also discussed class arrangements for male and female PDLs, with a preference for separate classes to ensure comfort and safety.
Initial data showed that 31 PDLs have been identified as eligible for the program, while more than 100 have expressed interest in pursuing college education.
The program aims to support rehabilitation by providing education inside the facility and helping PDLs gain skills for employment after release.
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