At least 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Romblon District Jail have started training on photovoltaic (PV) system installation.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Romblon National Institute of Technology (RNIT) are leading the free training, which covers site assessment, solar panel installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

“This hands-on approach not only strengthened their [PDLs] technical expertise but also reinforced the BJMP’s commitment to contributing to the development of a skilled, future-ready workforce while supporting national goals toward advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy,” BJMP regional information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said.

The training, conducted inside the jail facility, follows a 311-hour curriculum, and trainees can earn a national certificate as solar technicians upon completion.

“We look forward to scaling this partnership further, not just for reducing electricity costs but also to inspire PDLs to become part of the so-called green jobs and green energy revolution,” BJMP-Romblon acting district warden Jail Inspector Fatima Rabino said.

TESDA said the initiative supports the country’s sustainable energy goals, while RNIT continues to integrate renewable energy solutions into its skills training programs.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)