Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
The University of the Philippines, through the UP Open University, awarded certificates to more than a hundred persons deprived of liberty who participated in or completed the Workforce Development for PDLs Program in a culmination ceremony, Aug. 14 at the Medium Security Camp, New Bilibid Prison Reservation, Muntinlupa City.
The program was implemented in partnership with the Bureau of Corrections and the UP Alumni Association to support the rehabilitation and empowerment of PDLs through skills development and continuing education.
The ceremony recognized program participants, completers, and outstanding learners. It also highlighted the partner institutions’ shared commitment to providing PDLs with opportunities for personal growth, reformation, and eventual participation in the workforce.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
The PDLs completed the second and third offerings of the Workforce Development and Professional Growth Program through UPOU’s Small Private Online Courses, held from April 7 to May 19 and June 2 to July 14, respectively. The second offering featured courses on Programming with Scratch, and Practical Applications of Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles, while the third offered the courses, Bridge English for Functional Literacy, and Business Concepts, Ideation, and the Business Plan.
According to UPOU, 68 out of the total 119 PDL participants successfully completed the courses: 24 in Programming with Scratch, 15 in Practical Applications of Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles, 18 in Bridge English for Functional Literacy, and 11 in Business Concepts, Ideation and the Business Plan.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
Congratulatory messages
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano congratulated the completers, recognizing their dedication to learning. She said the university remains committed to widening access to UP education, particularly for those facing barriers to higher education. Serrano added that UPOU provides learners with opportunities for continuous self-development, as well as new tools and credentials for their future.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. cited UP Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton’s offer to provide short courses at BuCor and described the partnership as a “perpetual partnership” between BuCor and UP. He said the bureau aims to become a center of education for PDLs to earn certifications that could help them get job offers or start businesses. Catapang added that this partnership offers PDLs opportunities to transform their lives through education — that education can provide them with new credentials and hope for a new life.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
UP President Angelo Jimenez reaffirmed the university’s commitment to making education accessible, saying UP will expand its programs at the BuCor. He urged the PDLs to use what they have learned for their families, communities, and the nation. BuCor officers could also pursue UP degrees, he said. Jimenez also thanked the teachers, coordinators, and volunteers who made the program possible, saying their work demonstrates that education is not confined to a classroom.
Aranton lauded the completers and said their achievement also comes with the responsibility of being part of the UP community. He encouraged the PDLs to look beyond the hardships they have endured and use their education to become better individuals and contribute to society. He also thanked the UP Pahinungod volunteers and staff for their compassion and commitment, and the BuCor for collaborating with UP.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
PDLs’ testimonials
An outstanding PDL completer reflected on how the permaculture course taught them the interconnectedness of everything and that caring for the earth, people, and other living things is part of living a meaningful life. He also shared that the recognition he received was especially meaningful because it was a first for him.
Another completer described the business planning course as a personal journey that brought him renewed purpose and strength, emphasizing how education can provide an opportunity to improve and move forward. He affirmed that transformation is possible and offered another opportunity to become a better version of oneself, and inspire and help others.
Photo by Kevin Roque, UPS-MCO.
Recognition for the members of the working committee
Members of the UPOU and BuCor working committee were also recognized for their exemplary roles in the program. They were from UPOU’s Office of Public Affairs, Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, Faculty of Management and Development Studies, Information and Communication Technology Development Office, and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, and the BuCor’s officers, personnel, and volunteer facilitators and students.