MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it partnered with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to make more educational opportunities for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) available.
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara lauded the “Tagapangalaga Ko, Guro Ko” program with the BJMP, which helps in the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs, particularly those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
“Through this MOA (memorandum of agreement), 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,” he said.
Angara said the program not only provides education but also “hope and dignity” for PDLs.
BJMP Chief Ruel Rivera likewise thanked the DepEd for its efforts to ensure the welfare of PDLs.
“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 shows the joint effort of the BJMP and the Department of Education under the same goal to create a just and humane society through upholding education),” Rivera said.
Under the Tagapangalaga Ko, Guro Ko program, 5, 596 PDLs were enrolled in elementary, 9, 286 in junior high school, and 5, 983 in senior high school for the school year 2023-2024.
For the past three years, the DepEd recorded 20, 000 average ALS enrollments among PDLs, Rivera said. (PNA)