In a remarkable display of determination and hope, 86 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from the San Carlos City District Jail (SCCDJ) celebrated their graduation from Basic Elementary Education and Junior High School through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS).
The graduation ceremony, themed “Kabataang Pilipino Para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” honored 46 elementary school completers (39 males and 7 females) and 40 junior high school completers (35 males and 5 females). Each graduate received certificates and diplomas, symbolizing their perseverance and commitment to education despite their incarceration.
Maricar Domecillo, Education Program Specialist, representing OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dennis G. Develos, highlighted the unwavering dedication of the DepEd and local government to support educational initiatives like ALS, which align with the MATATAG programs of the current administration.
Atty. Juniven Rey S. Umadhay, Chief Hearing Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Region 6, delivered an inspiring message, underscoring education’s transformative power. He encouraged the graduates by asserting that education can change lives and help them become productive members of society, regardless of their past.
The ceremony’s distribution of certificates and diplomas was led by Jail Chief Inspector Felix Q. Sariana, with assistance from SCCDJ Welfare and Development Chief SJO1 Wilbeth Gantalao. The event was also attended by Education Program Specialist II Jovel Leduna, DepEd-ALS teachers, local media, parents, and guardians of the graduates.
ALS graduates Jinggoy and Jocelyn expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to complete their primary and secondary education. They thanked the BJMP and DepEd staff for their collaborative efforts in transforming lives through education.
