Up to 64 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail-Female Dormitor have graduated under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The PDLs received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony inside the detention facility.

Of the 64 PDLs, 44 completed Grade 12 while 20 others finished Grade 11.

“Ako gyud nakita kung ngano siya unsa siya (ang edukasyon) ka importante epekto sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga PDL. Makita sab nato ang positive aspect kay sa behavior lang daan kung mustorya ta apan pagsulod nila diri sa jail makita gyud nato nga naa gyud kausaban (sa ilang pamatasan),” CDOC Jail-Female Dormitory Warden, Senior Jail Inspector Mary Rose Pacana, said.

Cagayan de Oro City College President, Dr. Jestoni Babia, also lauded the graduates and announced that inmates will be given the opportunity to pursue college education through the city college.

“Dili lang andam sa kahibalo kundili lig-on sa kinaiya dili lang preparado sa trabaho kundiin giandam sa mas dako nga katuyuan,” Babia said.

The graduates also expressed gratitude for the chance to continue their education despite being in detention.

“Ang edukasyon walay gipili nga lugar ug edad dili lalim ang among gipang-agian but finally the long wait is over tungod sa determinasyon, sakripisyo ug pag-ampo nakuha namo ang kadaugan,”a PDL said.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the local government assured that they will support the PDLs.

“Your achievement shows that you are capable of building a better future one choice, one step at a time,” Councilor Moreno Daba said.

“Because education is the most powerful tool it does not only give knowledge it restores dignity build character and opens door to a better future,” BJMP-10 Director, Jail Chief Supt. Felixberto Jagorin Jr., added.