I HAD the privilege of joining the SETBI ‘s 4th International Conference on Persons Deprived of Liberty’s Transformative Education for Successful Re-entry in Panabo, Davao del Norte State College, held from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025.
Over three days, scholars, educators, and practitioners from across the Philippines convened to discuss research, policies, and practices aimed at improving education for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), those who are incarcerated but seeking personal growth, rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration.
The Social Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Business Institute (SETBI) is a non-profit organization known for initiating the first-ever College Education in the Philippines and even Southeast Asia. This program was founded by Dr. Aland David Mizell in 2016 in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and other educational and government institutions. It became the first program in the Philippines and in Asia to offer college education inside a jail.
The first campus was established in Davao City Jail, allowing PDLs to pursue formal college degrees while serving their sentences. Over the years, the program has expanded to other facilities such as the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. What makes CEBB unique is its holistic approach; it not only focuses on academic learning but also includes values formation, recovery programs, life skills, and livelihood training to help prepare PDLs for a productive life after release.
During the conference, Dr. Aland Mizell shared his inspiring message about the true purpose of the College Education Behind Bars. “I think a lot of the prisons and jails in our country are designed to punish, not to rehabilitate,” Dr. Mizell shared. “When you punish somebody, there must be something about rehabilitation, second chances, and that is the true purpose of the SETBI’s college Education Behind Bars.”
SETBI College Education Behind Bars is a degree-granting program incorporated with a recovery class. It has graduated 120 PDLs with a zero recidivism rate since its establishment, and many graduates are fully employed and law-abiding citizens. He believes that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, reduce recidivism, provide more opportunities, and open doors to a better future. Listening to his talk made me realize how visionary and heart-driven the CEBB program truly is; it stands as a symbol of hope for those who are often forgotten by society.
Another remarkable part of the conference was the talk of Professor Emma Hughes, a Criminal Justice Professor from California State University, Fresno. She served as one of the guest speakers and shared her experience with similar programs in the United States. “Project Rebound,” which supports formerly incarcerated students in reintegrating into academic life. Her discussion highlighted the transformative power of education in changing the lives of prisoners and how programs like CEBB can also be strengthened through international collaboration.
Her insights were very enlightening because they showed that rehabilitation through education is not just a local effort but a global movement. The conference also featured research presentations from various schools across the country. These studies focused on different aspects of the education-behind-bars initiative, its challenges, outcomes, and possible improvements. Some discussed how education helps reduce drug dependence and improve behavior and morale among PDLs.
Others talked about the obstacles, such as a lack of funding, limited access to teachers, and the stigma that PDL students face. One presentation, however, caught my attention because the presenters claimed that a similar program originated in their province and that they were the original founders. But based on verified information and credible sources, such as Mindanao Times (2017) and Edge Davao (2017), the first established and recognized program of college education inside jail in the Philippines was indeed founded by Dr. Aland Mizell after becoming a successful, Former DILG secretary issued a memo to replicate all Jail facilities nationwide.
Currently, there are more than 11 regions that have replicated College Education Behind Bars. Since the program became very successful, many would like to take ownership. The program’s significance has been recognized not only by academic institutions but also by high-ranking government officials.
CHED chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III has publicly affirmed that the CEBB program is the first of its kind in the Philippines and in Asia to provide formal college education inside a jail facility, even constructing an actual college building within the compound. He also encouraged other higher education institutions to document and replicate the program nationwide, recognizing its transformative impact on Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Similarly, Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez praised the program’s success in giving PDLs the capability and confidence needed to reintegrate into society after release.
The CEBB program has also received formal recognition from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which awarded SETBI for its outstanding contribution to inmate education and rehabilitation during its 31st founding anniversary. In addition, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who is from Davao City, where the program originated, issued a message of support acknowledging the positive role of CEBB in restoring hope and dignity among incarcerated learners. This acknowledgment from the country’s top officials only reinforces the program’s legitimacy and importance.
It is clear, therefore, that the College Education Behind Bars program founded by Dr. Aland Mizell is not only the first but also the most widely recognized model of higher education for PDLs in the Philippines. In my view, the failure to give proper credit to an individual who has dedicated years of effort, time, and compassion to establishing such a transformative program is both disheartening and unjust. Acknowledgment transcends mere recognition; it embodies respect, integrity, and fairness.
When others neglect to recognize the original founder of an initiative, it compromises the authenticity of their advocacy and calls into question the sincerity of their intentions. True advocacy must be anchored in honesty, humility, and gratitude—particularly when its aim is to promote human dignity and social rehabilitation. Hence, recognizing the vision and dedication of the true pioneer is not simply a gesture of courtesy but a moral obligation. Genuine and lasting change begins with respect, and extending due credit to the rightful originator affirms both truth and ethical integrity.
However, on the second day, one unforgettable and unexpected event happened during the conference—a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Davao Oriental, which was strongly felt in Davao del Norte while the sessions were ongoing. The strong tremor caused the cancellation of the remaining parts of the conference.
Thankfully, all the attendees were safe and no casualties were reported. Although it was a frightening experience, it also became a lesson on how unpredictable life can be. It made me appreciate the efforts of the organizers and participants who remained calm and ensured everyone’s safety.
Overall, my experience at the 4th International SETBI Conference was both educational and inspiring. It deepened my understanding of how education can be a form of justice and healing. The efforts of Dr. Aland Mizell, Professor Emma Hughes, and everyone involved in the CEBB program prove that transformation is possible when compassion and education work hand in hand.
As I reflect on the entire event, I believe that College Education Behind Bars is a golden program, and it deserves the continued support from all government institutions and the community so that more PDLs will get a second chance.
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Lynnyth Valera Aguilar is a Bachelor of Arts in Polical Science
