The School of Teacher Education (STEd) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) – Naval Campus formally concluded its four-month extension program for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Naval District Jail in Barangay Calumpang on April 2.
The initiative, titled Project Kaalaman at Abilidad na Sentro at Angkop sa Napapanahong Aksyon – Yaman at Negosyo (KASANAYAN), was launched on November 22, 2023. It aimed to equip PDLs with practical skills in crocheting and handicrafts, fostering economic self-sufficiency and facilitating their reintegration into society through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Project KASANAYAN was rooted in a community needs assessment conducted by Ms. Miramar M. Serrion, STEd Extension Chairperson and activity leader, together with Dr. Joan Sinagpulo, Project Leader and Chairperson of the BTLEd and BPEd programs. Their study, Needs-Based Assessment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) for Community Empowerment and Rehabilitation, identified critical areas of intervention, including literacy, health, social development, and livelihood skills.
“This evidence-based approach ensures that the project responds directly to the unique challenges faced by the PDLs,” said Serrion.
Throughout the program, PDLs participated in weekly training sessions on crocheting and handicraft-making, led by STEd faculty members with expertise in livelihood education. These sessions aimed to empower participants with income-generating skills they can use post-incarceration.
The culminating activity was attended by key university officials, including Dr. Joan Sinagpulo; Mr. Glenn Gumba, Head of the Knowledge and Information Management Unit under the Extension Services Office; Miramar M. Serrion; project facilitators; and extension office personnel. Also present were JSINSP Elizer B. Bacog, Acting Warden of the BJMP Naval District Jail, BJMP staff, and PDL participants.
In a message delivered on behalf of Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, Director of the Extension Services Office, Mr. Gumba emphasized the program’s transformative impact.
“This has been a journey of empowerment, resilience, and transformation,” Ampong noted. “Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration—ensuring every individual has a chance to contribute meaningfully to society.”
JSINSP Bacog expressed the bureau’s gratitude to BiPSU for its continued extension efforts. “Thank you for showing our PDLs that learning doesn’t stop even within a confined facility,” he said. “Hindi lang ito paghahabi ng sinulid, ito ay paghahabi ng pag-asa [This is not just weaving threads, but weaving hope].”
PDL beneficiaries also shared their reflections on the program’s impact. One female participant described the training as a stepping stone toward a new life upon reintegration.
“Daghang salamat kay may mga tawo nga sama ninyo nga nakahinumdom sa amo dire [We are deeply thankful for people like you who remember us here],” she said. “Pinaagi sa inyong tabang, wala diay mi ning-anhi para mapreso lamang, kundi para mabag-o ang kinabuhi [With your help, we realize that we’re not here just to be imprisoned, but to change our lives].”
A young male PDL also expressed appreciation. “Nakaka-appreciate na kahit nandito kami sa aming komunidad, meron pa palang mga taong handang tumulong sa amin at nagpakita kung paano gawing makabuluhan ang stay namin dito [It’s heartening to know that even here, there are people who care enough to help and show us how to make our stay meaningful],” he said.
An exhibit of the PDLs’ handcrafted items—including crocheted bags, purses, vases, apparel, and bayongs—was also showcased during the closing ceremony. Certificates of Completion were awarded to the participants, serving as a testament to their newly acquired skills and their readiness to rejoin the community.
Credit to: BiPSU-UMIO