SOUTH COTABATO – Thirteen (13) Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) marked a significant milestone after graduating from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) during the facility’s 18th Graduation and Moving-Up Ceremony.
Provincial Jail Warden Barney Condes said among the graduates, three (3) completed their Elementary Education, while ten (10) successfully graduated from Junior High School.
“Our ultimate goal in the correctional service is rehabilitation, not just detention. Equipping these graduates with basic and secondary education gives them the essential tools they need to rebuild their lives and successfully integrate back into society as productive citizens,” Condes stated.
The ceremony was attended by invited guests, dedicated teachers, and the families of the graduates, whose presence made the occasion even more meaningful.
Carrying the theme, Pilipinong Nagsipagtapos handang mamuno nang may kakayahan at mabuting pagkatao.,” the ceremony became an emotional celebration as graduates and their families gathered to witness the achievement, highlighting the transformative power of education even while in detention.
Among the graduates was alias “Jepoy,” who proudly received his Junior High School diploma in the presence of his family.
“Nalipay ako nga naka tapos ako sang akon pag eskwela sa Junior high school, kag gusto ko Ipadayon pa ang akon pag eskwela kag indi ko pag sayangan ang tsansa nga gin hatag sang Goberno nga maka tapos sa pag-eskwela,” Jepoy said.
For Nur, one of the 13 graduates, the hardships he and her family experienced became her motivation to pursue education while inside the facility.
He also expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. for making the program possible.
“Gapasalamat gid ko kay Governor Tamayo biskan ari kami diri sa sulod, gin hatagan niya kami sang opportunidad nga maka eskwela kag may madala kami sa amon pag laya kag tani maga padayon ang iya maayo nga gina himo,” Nur shared.
The ceremony was equally meaningful for the graduates’ families. Alias “Rhea,” the wife of one of the PDL graduates, expressed her happiness upon seeing her husband complete his Junior High School education.
” Nalipay jud ko nga naka human siya sa junior high school para sa iyang pag gawas maka kita siya ug maayo nga trabaho,” Rhea said.
The graduation reflects SCRDC’s commitment to rehabilitation by providing equal access to education for Persons Deprived of Liberty, equipping them with knowledge and skills that can help them rebuild their lives and become productive members of society upon reintegration.
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) program is implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd), the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, and the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center, reinforcing their shared commitment to promoting education as a vital component of rehabilitation.
