The DepEd – Malaybalay City Division recently conducted ceremonies for completion and graduation of 26 detainees of the City Jail in Brgy. Patpat.

Held last August 24, 2022, the Alternative Learning System component of the DepEd conferred nine (9) graduates of high school, and five (5) graduates of elementary. Twelve (12) other graduates were not able to attend the ceremonies as they were released a few weeks or days earlier, according to Jasmin Adriatico, the ALS education program supervisor.

Geared on the theme, “Gradweyt ng K to 12: Masigasis sa mga Pangarap at Matatag sa mga Pagsubok,” the rites’ keynote speaker was Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran. The City’s chief executive shared his kind thoughts on hope and hard work to the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) or what we know as prisoners and detainees.

For his part, C/Inspt Shodji Labis, the warden of BJMP City Jail welcomed the guests, and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the population behind bars and his men.

Anchored on the “Kakusa Ko, Teacher Ko Program” the graduates were able to continue their education even with the limitations of the pandemic, and the reality of being behind bars. For their part, the teachers dedicated hours after hours to conduct classes such that their students finished the ALS learning intervention and passed the presentation portfolio assessment.

Mr. Ralph T. Quirog, chief of education supervisor, presented the completers, and DepEd schools division superintendent Victoria V. Gazo, who confirmed the candidates. Also in attendance to the ceremonies were assistant SDS Aliena S. Dajay, ALS teachers led by Ethelyn S. Coronel, BJMP officials and family members of some graduates.

One of the graduates, Jomar T. Enoc, expressed in his testimony that he felt hopeless being in jail. Yet, through the ALS and all that he has learned, he realized it is not too late for him, after all. “Dako akong kalipay nga nakatiwas ko pagskwela dire sa sulod, ug dire sa sulod nakapadayon ako sa damgo sa akong ginikanan nga makatiwas sa pagtungha,” said Enoc.

– with reports from DepEd – Malaybalay & CMO Executive Staff