KORONADAL CITY | September 26, 2025 – Twenty-five female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) marched during their graduation exercises after completing the TESDA-accredited Cookery NC II program.
Alias “Let,” 53 years old, who had been behind bars for three years before gaining her freedom last July, was among who joined the ceremony.
She returned to witness the graduation and celebrate her completion of the same program.
In an interview, she shared how the opportunity gave them hope for a fresh start.
“Somehow, we were not deprived of our right to rise again, to study again, and to experience what regular citizens are also given,” she said with gratitude.
The program, sponsored by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), aims to equip PDLs with skills they can use for livelihood and employment once reintegrated into society.
Officials at SCRDC lauded the graduates for their determination, saying the training is not only about cooking but also about empowering the women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
The training for work scholarship program is facilitated by St. Alexis College.
