A total of 24 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Romblon District Jail are now nationally certified solar panel installers after all of them passed the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) assessment.

The PDLs completed 311 hours of training on Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation under a skills development partnership between TESDA and Romblon National Institute of Technology (RNIT).

Each participant now holds a national certificate to install solar power systems.

“This exceptional 100 percent passing result is testament to the commitment and hard work of the PDLs, as well as the dedication of the TESDA and BJMP trainers,” Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, BJMP MIMAROPA Regional Information Officer, said.

Acting District Warden Jail Inspector Fatima Rabino said the program is important because this allows PDLs to support the country's green jobs initiative.

“Through this program, we are not only reducing institutional energy costs but also equipping PDLs with relevant, future-ready skills. We hope this inspires them towards sustainable livelihoods and supports the country’s green jobs initiative,” Rabino said.

The BJMP Romblon District Jail now plans to install solar PV systems inside the facility as part of its sustainability efforts.

According to Anglo, this move will allow the certified PDLs to apply their skills in real-world settings while helping cut electricity costs and reduce the jail’s carbon footprint.