EIGHTY-FOUR inmates incarcerated at the medium security compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City recently finished their college and senior high school education from the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta (UPHSD) in Las Pinas City.
Of the 84 inmates, 21 earned their Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program while 63 completed senior high school.
BuCor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag said the graduation ceremony was held last September 9 at the medium security compound of the national penitentiary.
Chaclag said it was the 33rd commencement exercises for inmates who earned their college degrees and the fifth for senior high school held under the Bureau of Correction-initiated program with UPHSD,
part of the rehabilitation efforts for inmates.
The event was graced by Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco as guest speaker, BuCor Deputy Director General for Operations Milfredo Melegrito, and UPHR-Dalta System President Anthony Jose Tamayo.
In his speech, Marco told the graduates to make good use of their education, especially once they are out of prison.
He added their perseverance in completing their studies should serve as an inspiration to other inmates.
“Hold on to your hope, hold the ray of hope,” Marco told the graduates.
Marco also told the graduates that the BuCor will continue to improve the program to enable more inmates to benefit.
He added the program is not only meant to equip inmates with learning but also to prepare them for reintegration into society once they have completed their sentences.
Melegrito told the graduates to value what they have learned, adding it is the best part of the BuCor’s reform and transformation efforts for them.
“I give value and importance to education because this is the best legacy we could give our persons deprived of liberty,” Melegrito added.
The extension school inside the national penitentiary, which began in 1985, is fully funded by the UHSD and has produced hundreds of inmate-graduates over several decades.
The BuCor has also partnered with the Department of Education, though its Alternative Learning System, to give inmates a chance to complete basic education or acquire skills through vocational courses.
