BANSUD, Or. Mindoro—To prove that all is not lost for prisoners or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), an innovative classroom was inaugurated here on Tuesday inside the Bansud jail to equip the inmates with valuable knowledge and skills, in the process instilling hope and powering them to envision a brighter future outside the prison walls.
Proceeds of a marathon called Color Fun Run held on October 20, 2024 bankrolled the construction of the 42-square meter classroom called ‘Silid-Kulay ng Pagasa’ specifically built for PDL learners.
Acting district jail warden Senior Inspector Nelmar Malimata said “the recently opened classroom inside the facility will entice more PDLs to enrol in the BJMP’s (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) alternative learning system (ALS) of education next school year.”
“Providing them an opportunity to learn and continue their studies gives them a sense of purpose. It also has been instrumental in their rehabilitation, growth, and prevents recidivism or relapsing into criminal behavior,” Malimata added.
“By expanding educational access, we are reinforcing our commitment to leave no one behind and creating meaningful change in the lives of PDLs,” he added.
BJMP Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) information officer Joefrie Anglo could not say how many of its 19 jails across the region have classrooms, but stressed that this is not the first time a physical structure dedicated to PDLs’ education was put up within jail premises.
He said the construction of classrooms and activity areas in BJMP-manned jail facilities will result in huge benefits and convenience to the inmates and the teaching personnel.
Being a priority project, Anglo said the BJMP has required all wardens to provide spaces or rooms for the ALS participants and allot at least two hours a day, three to five days a week for the program.
Of the 301 detainees at the BJMP-BDJ, 29 are enrolled in junior high school while 23 are at the elementary level. They are mentored by jail officers who have teaching backgrounds, and ALS mobile teachers who serve as instructional managers.