BJMP, DepEd renew ALS program for Bacolod PDLs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region and the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Bacolod City have reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality education and rehabilitation programs for persons deprived of liberty through the Alternative Learning System.

Celestino Nifras Jr., a senior education program specialist at DepEd Bacolod who represented Dennis Develos, officer in charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, and Jail Chief Superintendent Brendan Fulgencio, BJMP-NIR director, signed the memorandum of agreement Monday.

The agreement seeks to provide PDLs in jail facilities with continued access to inclusive basic education.

Under the agreement, DepEd will deploy qualified ALS teachers to conduct face-to-face learning sessions at participating jail facilities during school year 2026–27.

DepEd will also assign education specialists to monitor the program’s implementation and ensure compliance with educational standards and operational protocols.

Under BJMP’s responsibilities, jail wardens will provide appropriate classroom facilities, internet connectivity, instructional and office supplies, and security arrangements for teachers and learners.

The bureau will also assist with the enrollment of participating learners by facilitating the completion of documentary requirements.

BJMP will serve as a distribution and collection center for learning modules and other educational materials.

The program will benefit ALS learners enrolled in participating elementary, junior high school, and senior high school programs under the Schools Division Office of Bacolod City.

Qualified PDLs at the Metro Bacolod District Jail-Female Dormitory, MBDJ-Male Dormitory, and MBDJ-Male Dormitory Annex may participate in the program.

Fulgencio emphasized that education remains one of the bureau’s most effective rehabilitation strategies for supporting PDLs’ personal growth, skills development, and preparation for productive reintegration into their communities after release.

ALS is DepEd’s parallel education system for people who cannot access or complete formal schooling and provides flexible nonformal and informal learning opportunities.

DepEd and BJMP formalized a national partnership in October 2024 to expand educational access for PDLs and support their rehabilitation and reintegration.

DepEd said an average of about 20,000 PDLs enrolled in ALS annually during the three years preceding the national agreement.

During school year 2023–24, 5,596 PDLs enrolled at the elementary level, 9,286 enrolled in junior high school, and 5,983 enrolled in senior high school nationwide.

The renewed agreement will remain in effect for two school years from the date of signing unless both parties agree to modify, renew, or terminate it earlier.