DILG: Over 10,000 inmates finish basic education in jail through ALS

MANILA, Philippines – More than 10,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have completed their elementary and high school education while in detention, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DILG said that 10,739 PDLs finished their basic education through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) — a parallel education program in the Philippines that offers a practical alternative to traditional classroom-based learning.

It serves individuals who are unable to access formal schooling by providing flexible learning opportunities through both nonformal and informal education, including those behind bars.

The initiative is implemented by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

PDLs enrolled under ALS also benefit from the Time Allowance for Studying, Teaching, and Mentoring as provided by Republic Act No. 10592. The law recognizes the efforts of inmates to reform and improve themselves while serving time.

READ: DepEd, BJMP sign pact to empower PDLs via alternative education

‘Meaningful rehabilitation’

Moreover, 107 PDLs have earned their college degrees through the Tertiary Education Behind Bars Program, a joint initiative with the Commission on Higher Education. An additional 720 PDLs are currently enrolled in various degree programs.

The BJMP said it is working to expand its higher education efforts by forging more partnerships with universities and colleges across the country.

To prepare PDLs for employment after release, the government is also providing livelihood and technical training.

In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and civil society organizations, 112,707 PDLs have completed courses in carpentry, electronics, welding, arts and crafts, and small-scale entrepreneurship.

“These results reflect the government’s commitment to holistic and meaningful rehabilitation, aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s call to build a world where justice and compassion prevail,” the DILG said.

The DILG added that it will continue to invest in education and livelihood programs to help PDLs reintegrate into society as “reformed and productive citizens” after their release. /jpv

 

(2025/07/09-11:51)

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