Over 50 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Puerto Princesa joined forces with jail officers to wrap hundreds of books for public school students as part of Brigada Eskwela 2025.

The activity took place inside the Puerto Princesa City Jail and was held in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela. It is a yearly campaign that prepares schools for the opening of classes through volunteer work.

According to Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, Regional Information Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) MIMAROPA, the effort allowed PDLs to take part in a meaningful cause while showing their commitment to change.

“Every step towards change begins with a simple act of compassion. Through Brigada Eskwela, we emphasize that education is not solely the responsibility of schools but a shared duty of the entire community — including PDLs who are eager to transform their lives,” Anglo said.

One of the participants, a 45-year-old PDL named Joel, said the experience gave him a sense of purpose.

“Sa bawat pabalat na aming inilagay, hindi lang aklat ang aming pinapangalagaan, kundi ang aming pag-asa at pagkakataon na magbago. Ito din ay patunay na sa kabila ng aming nakaraan, may pagnanais kaming magtagumpay at magbigay ng positibong kontribusyon sa komunidad,” he said.

In total, the group wrapped 576 books.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) lent a hand to public schools across Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

They cleaned classrooms, fixed broken facilities, and helped organize learning materials.