253 Negros PDLs complete ALS senior high

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A total of 253 persons deprived of liberty, or PDLs, across Negros Island have completed their senior high school education through the Alternative Learning System, or ALS, of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Negros Island Region.

Of the graduates, 209 were male and 44 were female.

The Metro Bacolod District Jail–Male Dormitory Annex posted the highest number of completers with 79.

The Metro Bacolod District Jail–Female Dormitory followed with 36 completers.

Bayawan District Jail in Negros Oriental recorded 31 graduates.

The Metro Bacolod District Jail–Male Dormitory and La Carlota City District Jail in Negros Occidental logged 26 graduates each.

According to Jail Chief Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay, BJMP-NIR spokesperson, the PDLs completed the one-year program through face-to-face classes held inside jail facilities.

He said instructors regularly visited the facilities to guide learners, culminating in an equivalency examination that determined who passed.

Six PDLs are also pursuing college degrees through modular learning while in detention.

Umadhay said the achievement reflects the bureau’s continued commitment to delivering inclusive and rehabilitative education programs.

“This enables PDLs to transform their lives through education, even within the confines of incarceration,” he noted.

Jail Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio, BJMP-NIR director, praised the graduates for their determination and perseverance and cited their commitment to personal growth despite difficult circumstances.

He also commended jail personnel for consistently supporting the PDLs’ educational journey and said their efforts were instrumental in helping guide these individuals toward becoming reformed, empowered and productive members of society upon their eventual release.

The regional bureau is awaiting additional results from other jail units, which may further raise the number of successful ALS passers.