Education behind bars: DOST, University of Antique offer program for PLDs in Antique to obtain college degree

(Photo from Abigael Omaña, DOST-STII)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI, in partnership with University of Antique (UA), will give opportunities to 18 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) San Jose Antique District Jail, to earn a degree of Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship.

This was shared by the officials from the DOST and UA during the opening of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held at the UA in Sibalom, Antique.

Under its major program, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), the DOST Region VI will provide several S&T interventions for the BJMP San Jose District Jail, focusing on Livelihood/Economic Enterprise Development and Human Resource Development. This includes the provision of bakery equipment and training, as well as offering college education to 18 PLDs who have successfully passed the entrance exam at UA.

“The University of Antique will be providing the lectures. 18 PDLs also took the examination as we are not undermining the standards of the university; they are treated just like any other students and do not receive special treatment. When they qualify for the entrance examination, they are enrolled in the university and will be taught the same subjects." said DOST Region VI Director Rowen Gelonga Jr.

Reg. Dir. Gelonga further explained that the mode of delivery will be either virtual or face-to-face. He shared that in some instances, the professors from University of Antique will go there to deliver face-to-face lectures.

“This afternoon, we will be launching a small facility, essentially a classroom, where face-to-face learning will take place.”, said Reg. Dir. Gelonga.

Meanwhile, University of Antique President Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr said that they are now finalizing the processing of the enrollment. He said that they met with the faculty members to ensure the success of this education behind bars program.

"This is not just a college program; it involves the College of Business, the College of Arts, and the College of Teacher Education. In addition to teaching, we have also identified teachers who will serve as life coaches for our enrolled Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). In fact, I suggest that we treat this education behind bars program as a small school within the University of Antique, complete with research and extension activities,” said University of Antique President Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr.

This project is funded by the DOST VI under the CEST program and is being implemented by the UA to provide comprehensive assistance to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) San Jose Antique District Jail.

The project encompasses five CEST components. In addition to the previously mentioned provision of bakery equipment and training, and offering college education to 18 PDLs, it also includes, addressing health and nutrition concerns by providing ceramic water filters for safe water, RxBox for healthcare services, and conducting meaning-making activities; offer technical orientation on Pinggang Pinoy.

CEST, being implemented by the DOST in all regions in the country, also focuses on environmental protection and conservation through solid waste management training; and enhance disaster risk reduction, management, and climate change adaptation with disaster preparedness information boards and the introduction of the Bantay Panahon system.

The CEST program is just one of the strategies of the DOST to address its thrust under the four (4) pillars, namely: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability; aimed at providing solutions and opening opportunities. (30)