By Eva Visperas
DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — The local government of Dagupan City, in partnership with the University of Luzon and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), launched the “College Behind Bars” scholarship program on December 10, 2024, to provide educational opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) within its jurisdiction.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalizing the initiative was signed in a ceremony attended by key officials, including Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, BJMP Regional Director JSSupt. Florante Nisperos, Dagupan BJMP Male Dormitory Jail Chief Inspector Lito Lam-osen, and other notable figures such as University of Luzon’s Director for Students’ Office Prof. Saycy Samson, BJMP Female Dormitory Jail Warden Lilia Ventura, and several members of the local government.
The ‘College Behind Bars’ program aims to empower PDLs by offering them the opportunity to pursue higher education. Starting with 30 pilot scholars, the initiative is a significant step in fostering rehabilitation and reintegration into society, offering a path to a better future through education.
The University of Luzon has committed to providing a flexible learning delivery model, including online classes, to accommodate the unique circumstances of PDLs. This ensures that PDLs can continue their education while behind bars, gaining the skills and qualifications necessary to rebuild their lives upon release.
Mayor Fernandez emphasized that the program aligns with the city’s commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind,” especially those who are incarcerated. “This is a gift from God for all of us, a chance to help those in need,” Fernandez said in her address, expressing hope that the initiative will inspire other local governments to adopt similar programs.
BJMP officials echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of education in transforming the lives of PDLs. “Through this program, we aim not only to provide a second chance at education but also to help PDLs develop skills that will facilitate a smoother reintegration into society once they are released,” said Nisperos.
The signing ceremony also marked a major milestone in the BJMP’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. “We believe that education is a fundamental tool for personal growth and rehabilitation. This partnership exemplifies the BJMP’s core mantra of ‘No One Should Be Left Behind,’” said Lam-osen.
The College Behind Bars program is expected to expand in the future, with plans to increase the number of scholarship slots and include more educational institutions in the partnership. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader goals of improving access to education for marginalized sectors and fostering social reintegration for former offenders.