The University of the Philippines (UP), through the UP Open University (UPOU), in tripartite partnership with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the UP Alumni Association (UPAA), conducted the Workforce Development for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) Program Culmination Ceremony on 14 August 2026, at the Medium Security Camp, New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa City.
The culminating activity honored the 119 PDLs who successfully participated in courses offered through two program offerings from 7 April to 19 May 2026 and 2 June to 14 July 2026, covering Programming with Scratch, Practical Application of Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles, Bridge English for Functional Literacy, and Business Concepts, Ideation and the Business Plan.
PDL learners join UP, UPOU, BuCor, and UPAA officials during the Workforce Development for PDLs Program Culmination Ceremony on 14 August 2026.
The event was graced by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez; UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano; UP Alumni Association (UPAA) President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton; and UPAA Third Vice President Dr. Fernando Sanchez Jr.
Also present were UPOU Faculty of Education Dean Charisse Reyes, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies Dean Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., and Faculty of Management and Development Studies Dean Finaflor Taylan, along with faculty members, course coordinators, staff, and volunteer facilitators.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano (left) delivers her opening remarks as BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang (right) gives his congratulatory message.
In her message, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano highlighted the role of UPOU in bringing learning opportunities to communities that need them most. She emphasized the value of lifelong learning and expressed her support for the PDL learners as they acquire new skills and knowledge.
She also noted that such initiatives can provide hope and inspiration and that knowledge gained can remain useful as learners transfer to other facilities or eventually return to their communities.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. congratulated the PDL learners and expressed gratitude for the BuCor-UPOU partnership. He affirmed the institutions’ commitment to the partnership, describing it as a continuing and joint effort to provide PDLs with opportunities to learn and earn credentials through education.
Of the total 119 PDL participants, 68 successfully completed the courses: 24 in Programming with Scratch, 15 in Practical Applications of Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles, 18 in Bridge English for Functional Literacy, and 11 in Business Concepts, Ideation and the Business Plan.
Short audiovisual presentations highlighting the second and third offerings were presented during the program, followed by the awarding of certificates of participation and completion to PDL learners. The learners also performed a culmination song titled “We’ve Made it Through” by Gerald Magbanua to mark their learning journey and achievement.
UP President Angelo Jimenez motivates the PDL learners who participated and completed the 2nd and 3rd course offerings.
UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez reaffirmed UP’s commitment to supporting PDLs and emphasized the University’s role in providing transformational education that seeks not only to develop skills but also to contribute to meaningful change in people’s lives. He expressed his respect for the PDL learners and recognized their decision to pursue education despite their circumstances. He described their choice to learn and begin again as a significant decision worthy of celebration.
He further emphasized that education is not confined to a classroom or a particular phase of life, reinforcing the idea that opportunities for learning and personal development should remain accessible throughout a person’s life.
Outstanding student completers also shared their experiences and reflections from the program.
A completer of the course Practical Applications of Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles described permaculture beyond food production. For him, permaculture is about life and humanity’s relationship with the Earth and how small actions can lead to bigger changes.
“Ang maliit na pagkilos ay maaaring magdulot ng malalaking pagbabago. Isang buto ay maaaring maging halaman. Isang halaman ay maaaring magbigay ng pagkain. Isang hardin ay maaaring makapagpakain ng isang pamilya. At isang pamilya ay maaaring magbigay inspirasyon sa isang komunidad,” he explained.
He said that the certificate did not mark the end of his learning journey but the beginning of applying what he had learned in real life:
“Ang ating sertipiko ay [hin]di katapusan ng pagkatuto pero simula ng pagsasabuhay ng natutunan.”
Another completer reflected on the trust given to PDL learners despite the mistakes they made in the past:
“Nagtitiwala sila sa amin kahit na nagkamali kami.”
He expressed gratitude to his faith, the UPOU faculty and educators, and the opportunity to learn about business ideation and business plan development. He said that the course taught him to think creatively and recognize that meaningful change can begin with a simple idea and the willingness to act. For him, education allowed him to discover his strengths and regain a sense of purpose and hope:
“This course reminded me that our past circumstances do not have to determine who we become. We can learn, improve, and choose to move forward.”
Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to the BuCor personnel, course coordinators, and volunteers who contributed to the successful implementation of the Workforce Development for PDL program.
UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton delivers his closing remarks to the PDL learners.
In his closing remarks, UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton reminded the PDL learners that they are now part of the wider community of the University of the Philippines, a distinction that comes with a corresponding responsibility.
“Nagkakaroon lamang ng tunay na saysay ang kaalaman kung ito ay magagamit upang makatulong sa kapwa at maglingkod sa bayan,” he said.
The Workforce Development for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) Program is coordinated through the UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.
He acknowledged that the journey ahead would not always be easy, but encouraged the PDLs to look beyond the hardships they have endured and recognize the possibilities that lie ahead.
Beyond the credentials, the program aimed to equip learners with knowledge and skills as they prepare to return to their families, communities, and the workforce. Through the continuing partnership of UP, UPOU, BuCor, and UPAA, it also seeks to strengthen access to expand access to lifelong learning for PDLs.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Larry Cruz, Primo Garcia, Naomi Jean Unlayao, and Jezreel Anne Cometa | Photos by Anna Mhari Duria and Marinela Hernandez
