Abuyog, Leyte—A total of 102 persons deprived of liberty received their diplomas during recognition rites of the 2018 Accreditation and Equivalency passers of the Alternative Learning System program of the Department of Education at the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte, Wednesday, June 26.
“Let this be a community effort in giving hope to our learners. One of the crucial parts is their integration to the communities so they can contribute to nation building, to their families, and to their personal lives,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat of Public Affairs Service and ALS.
Ambat assured the PDLs that the government will continue to reach out to them by providing them various programs despite their condition so they can contribute to society by the time they will leave the correctional facility.
“I hope that there are changes that happen in your lives through the ALS. I want to thank you for taking this opportunity,” said Ambat while lauding the efforts of Leyte Division officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo.
Ambat said that they are discussing the possible opening of a college extension program to the ALS and Senior High School PDL graduates.
She acknowledged the support of LRP Superintendent Danilo Dador, DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico and the ALS mobile teachers assigned inside the facility.
“I didn’t expect that I would finish my studies inside this facility. I thank the DepEd for giving me this opportunity which I didn’t take seriously when I was still have my freedom outside this place,” said Jefrel who received a medal being a deserving ALS passer from the maximum security camp.
“We failed before, but it doesn’t mean that we will be losers for the rest of our lives. Huwag nating isipin na ang lugar na ito ay libingan ng buhay, kundi libingan ng dati nating buhay,” added another ALS graduate Gerald who said he found “redemption” after enrolling in ALS.
Firmo, along with Tenasas and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Marilyn Siao, was instrumental in the opening of ALS and Senior High School classes at the Leyte Regional Prison.
The graduates also witnessed the signing of the contract of usufruct for the upcoming construction of a permanent classroom building inside the facility.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Marilette Almayda of DepEd Bureau of Learning Delivery, Leyte ALS Education Program supervisor Marie Joy Arias, and other education personnel.