On 15 November 2025, the “BuCor Training: Workforce Development for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)” has officially started under the leadership of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, following the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between the University of the Philippines (through the UPOU), the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA).

The program offers two specialized short courses, “Introduction to Permaculture: The Ethics of Permaculture and Design Principles” and “Digital Literacy and Principles of Graphic Design.” These courses have been carefully developed as Small Private Offline Courses (SPOC) with the technical support of the UPOU ICT Development Office, ensuring accessibility and relevance to the unique learning context of the participants.

PDL learners using computer units during the course.

The opening program and expectation-setting session were facilitated by the Pahinungód team, headed by Director Larry Cruz, engaging a total of 59 PDL learners.

During the program orientation, Chancellor Joane V. Serrano emphasized in her opening remarks that these courses are designed to provide hope, opportunity, and inspiration that are essential for personal growth, transformation, and reintegration.

Course orientation for “Digital Literacy and Principles of Graphic Design” was led by Assistant Professor Luisa Gelisan, Assistant Professor Raz Dela Torre, and Ms. Joy Abigail Rebulanan of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies. Meanwhile, the “Introduction to Permaculture” course was introduced by Pahinungód volunteers Mr. Raymund Piñon and Ms. Almira Andin.

This initiative expands an innovative and empowering approach to education through UPOU’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), reinforcing the commitment to inclusive, transformative, and socially responsive education in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

PDLs during the specialized courses led by the UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.

Written by UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod

Sustainable Development Goals

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UP Open University (UPOU)

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UP Open University (UPOU)
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