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Holy Mass held at Davao City Jail for All Souls’ Day

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

The Davao City Jail held a Holy Mass on Sunday, Nov. 2, in observance of All Souls’ Day.

The spiritual activity was attended by more than 100 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) currently detained at the facility.

The mass aimed to provide the PDLs with an opportunity to perform a traditional and solemn commemoration of their departed loved ones, despite their current confinement.

The PDLs also lit candles as part of the ceremony. The lighting of candles symbolizes their prayers and the offering of light and hope for their deceased family members, friends, and peers.

This activity demonstrates the Davao City Jail management’s continuing commitment to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of the PDLs under their care.

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EducationFeatured

SETBI’s 4th int’l conference inside prison and jails in PH

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE DAVAO del Norte State College gymnasium was all-hands-on-deck, putting on the finishing touches for the SETBI’s 4th International Conference on Persons Deprived of Liberty’s Transformative Education for Successful Re-entry. People from all over the country, with a keynote speaker from California, were settling down as the organizers buzzed around them. 

This conference was organized by the Social Entrepreneurship Technology and Business Institute, founded by Dr. Aland D. Mizell and co-founded by Atty. Susan P. Cariaga in 2016. The impetus for a program to offer degrees to the PDL came when a US team accompanied Mizell and his MCI students to distribute backpacks of school supplies at the Davao City Jail. 

Dr. Mizell was dismayed by the overcrowded conditions, the long confinement, and the wasted lives behind bars. Some had been stuck in there, averaging ten years, despite being presumed innocent, yet none used their time productively. Feeling compelled to respond to their plight, Dr. Mizell conceived of College Education Behind Bars. 

A year before, Atty. Cariaga had wanted to set up a Celebrate Recovery Program at her home church, so Dr. Mizell invited Celebrate Recovery leaders from Texas to train select parishioners for this step program and to set up the classes at her church. 

When researching carceral education in the Philippines, Dr. Mizell found out that there were already plenty of faith-based programs working with the jail. Additionally, the people deprived of liberty (PDL) needed to get jobs following their incarceration. 

That’s when the founder of the first College Education Behind Bars inside Davao City Jail, Dr. Mizell, decided to build an actual college inside Davao City Jail and to partner with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) and the BJMP to offer college degrees to redeem the PLD’s time and to prepare them for reentry as well as careers. Besides educating the enrollees, they decided to integrate recovery and rehabilitation into the program to ensure they were equipped to make correct life choices. 

The jail management readily approved Dr. Mizell’s proposal, so an architect inside the jail designed the plans and oversaw the construction. Previous USeP president, Dr. Lourdes Generalao, immediately agreed to partner with CEBB to make it happen, saying that she would handle getting it approved by her board. 

Following that, a memorandum of Agreement was drafted among SETBI, USeP, and the BJMP and signed. Once approved, they started the work as soon as they could. Because few wanted to risk financing a program that might not work, funding was slow, but Dr. Mizell and Atty. Cariaga offered collateral while funds were solicited. The SETBI campus was built in the Davao City Jail. Almost ten years later, in 2025, it has produced multiple success stories and garnered global attention, being the first College Education Behind Bars program in the Philippines, hence this current conference.

Following wonderful performances by the DNSC Socio-Cultural Group, DNSC president, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, opened the conference, followed by SETBI’s College Education Behind Bars’ founder, Dr. Aland Mizell, who gave a heartfelt speech about the transformative impact of education. They spoke of the inherent worth of every individual and their need for second chances, declaring this conference to be a space for fostering collaboration. 

The keynote speaker, a criminology professor from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Emma Hughes, spoke about why prison education matters. Aside from the lowered recidivism rates, higher chances for employment, and lessened cost for the government, prison education gives PDLs dignity and hope. 

She described her program at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, sharing her practices with the attendees. Concluding, she proposed that recidivism rates didn’t capture all the benefits of education, and recounted the individual and emotional effects on the incarcerated students’ lives.

Following an engaging video detailing the College Education Behind Bars’ origins, effects, and testimonials from PDL who were still participating in the classes, the program segued into two plenary speakers, the Honorable Judge Gemma Betonio and Engineer Julius Quirim. Judge Betonio proposed that true justice was not only about punishment, but also about restoration, redemption, and reintegration. 

Engineer Quirim, who is the co-founder of SETBI Cares, recounted that he was helping a former PDL reintegrate into society and support his family. This former PDL, Rodolfo Tubio, shared an emotional story about his moving from a life sentence to freedom with the help of SETBI’s College Education Behind Bars program. 

Afterward, a panel of experts talked about future plans and the challenges associated with such a program. The first day ended with the participants sharing their research and knowledge of their work to help rehabilitate PDL, the obstacles they faced, and the experience of teaching behind bars. A common theme throughout the day was that every person deserved a second chance, and PDLs should be given humane environments. 

Unfortunately, the second day was cut short by a massive earthquake during Professor Hughes’ second presentation about government and higher education programs collaborating to create a community. 

For safety, the university took precautions and understandably canceled the rest of the event. However, participants returned on the third day to visit the new campus at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF), so the conference proved successful, especially because those who gathered to discuss this field of tertiary education in penal institutions also networked and planned to stay in contact.  The conference achieved its purpose of sharing knowledge, which will flourish from there. By Joey Cariaga

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CommunityHealth

Minority Care International (MCI) gives glasses in Barangay Cebuano, South Cotabato

by Contributor
written by Contributor

CLEAR vision is essential not only for health but also for quality of life and productivity. In the Philippines, the eyeglasses market faces challenges such as limited manufacturing capacity, uneven distribution between urban and rural areas, and high prices that make basic vision correction unaffordable for many.

In a crucial role, civil society organizations can leverage innovative models to deliver affordable and accessible eye care, often filling the gaps left by public sector efforts.

To fill a gap in various communities, Minority Care International (MCI) has dispensed thousands of reading eye glasses in 14 distributions, including to the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Davao Penal and Prison Farm (DaPeCol).

Recognizing the profound impact MCI’s Restoring Vision annual eye care projects have had on individuals’ lives, they performed more than 290 eye check-ups and dispensed more than 200  reading glasses to the Cebuano Barangay in South Cotabato. Dr. Audrey Kim Delin and her husband, Dr. Lendl Sam Delin, also joined hospital volunteers in conducting eye exams, having labeled all lens strengths before the distribution. 

Also, to further serve community needs, Nurse Andrea and 4th-year Medtech student Yakup Celik conducted free blood pressure screening for the eye care donees. According to one recipient, he appreciated MCI’s community outreach project because eye checks and glasses are very expensive, with the consequence that most do not have glasses and, thus, have untreated problems. 

Through this service, MCI scholars continue to learn to give back to their community. Social work former MCI scholar Theresa Adil and Mary Rose also came to help in the distribution of eyeglasses.  MCI scholarship beneficiary currently studying tourism at the University of Mindanao in her second year, Shaira Arida is from Cebuano, Barangay South Cotabato.

Even as a student, she organized the MCI eye care event with her Barangay SK officials to extend the MCI eye care project to her community. Shaira gave an opening message before the distribution. 

Part of Shaira Arida’s speech is as follows:

“Good morning, everyone! I’m Shaira Arida, Public Relations Officer of the Minority Care International Student Association (MCISA). It’s an honor to be here for this meaningful event.

“Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge the visionary behind our program, our founder, Dr. Aland Mizell. We’re also joined by Atty. Susan Cariaga, Vice President of SETBI. Special thanks to Dr. Audrey Kim Delin and Dr. Lendi Sam Delin for their help with today’s eyeglass distribution. I’d also like to thank Barangay officials, led by Noel Dela Cruz, and SK officials, headed by Honey Grace Enario, for supporting our 14th eyeglass distribution, including here in Barangay Cebuano.

“Today’s event is about more than just eyeglasses—it’s about giving people the vision to pursue opportunities and live fuller lives. MCI’s Restoring Vision project embodies our mission: not just to support students, but to give back to the community. Though I am still a student, MCI has given me the chance to serve and grow.

“MCI means a lot to me. It has not only supported my education but also guided and shaped me. Without MCI, I wouldn’t be standing here today. It has taught me to dream big despite challenges and to believe in my potential.”

“We acknowledge the Cebuano Barangay SKs for their hospitality and for allowing us to distribute the eyewear, as well as my father, Mr.  Arida, for providing lunch. By Shaira Ardia

—————————————————————–

Shaira Ardia is an MCI Scholar and a second-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student at the University of Mindanao (UM).

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Uncategorized

Actor Cesar Montano commends third batch of graduates of SETBI College Education Behind Bars campus at Dapecol

by Admin
written by Admin

BY ALAND MIZELL

ENTERING the Social Entrepreneurship Technology and Business Institute (SETBI) and College Education Behind Bars facility within the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (Dapecol), it’s immediately apparent what the goal of this place is.

Emblazoned on the wall, it says, “Education is Freedom.” It was college graduation day for a handful of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and they were in for an exciting commencement ceremony because they had an acclaimed actor and politician
Cesar Montano is giving a speech. Many thought it was only a rumor, but Mr. Montano entered the facility that day, silencing any doubt about his presence.

Once within those particular walls, a group of PDL students was waiting on the second floor of the building. When Mr. Montano stepped out of the car, there were cheers, naturally. There was an immediate camaraderie between him and the group, trading greetings and remarks. Mr. Montano was quite comfortable and showed no prejudice against them, treating them like anyone else he met.

Another notable person in this group was Pastor Gary Galvas, the person who was going to introduce Mr. Montano as a speaker. Pastor Galvas, a former PDL himself, was jovial and cordial with the PDLs, mildly joking around with them as the group entered the building.

Later on, before leaving at the end of the ceremony, Pastor Galvas commented that the program felt “completely supported and really organized.” Furthermore, he said that the program SETBI provided gave PDLs a sense of purpose, more than anything else. This was made more evident as the ceremony started and progressed.

Cesar Montano gave a spectacular and thoughtful speech, all the while keeping it light with his natural humor. He spoke about the good that this program was doing, not only to the individuals graduating and still on the way to graduating, but also to the country at large. He expressed that our country was in dire need of healing. This program was the first step to that.

He commended Dr. Aland Mizell and Atty. Susan Cariaga, as well as the various staff and teachers involved, made this program what it was. On top of that, he commended the graduates for reaching their current goal. Towards the end, he led the attendees, including and especially the PDLs in the audience, in a prayer that praised the Lord, asked for forgiveness, offered forgiveness to others, and, finally, promised to serve the Lord moving forward. This was soon followed by the awarding of the diplomas.

It was a short procession, with only six graduates, but monumental nonetheless. A couple of these graduates had family members walk them up the stage to accept their diplomas. Afterwards, one of the graduates, Rodolfo Tubio, went up on stage and shared his story. He started it off by saying, “A judge gave me a life sentence. SETBI gave me a life contract.”

What followed was a touching story of regret, perseverance, and hope. Mr. Tubio earned a life sentence for selling drugs, but with the help of the College Education Behind Bars program and SETBI, not only did he earn a college degree, he earned his freedom, becoming the first person to be released from Davao del Norte Davao Penal Colony under RA9165. The speech was met with resounding applause from everyone in the audience, and later, one of the teachers would say that she had started shedding tears as Mr. Tubio spoke on stage.

When the ceremony was done, the fun wasn’t over. Naturally, with a very important speaker in the midst, everyone wanted to take a picture. Mr. Montano even encouraged it, requesting the PDLs, who were separated from the audience at the time, to join them in the picture taking. This was met with no resistance from the officers.

Everyone was all smiles as various groups took pictures in front of the stage with the speakers and the leaders of this program.

Before Mr. Montano departed for the day, he sat down for a brief interview to comment on what had happened today. He expressed that this program was a “great blessing,” and he prayed that this sort of program would multiply to other penal colonies and other jails to help PDLs move forward.

Truly, this was the goal of SETBI and College Education Behind Bars: to set an example for all the world, not only this country, to see. That despite mistakes and hardships, there was always a hope for the future. That PDLs deserve a chance and
forgiveness as much as anyone else who wasn’t incarcerated. Education led to freedom; it was as plain as day in the graduates and the students who were on their way. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that everyone in that community was doing the right thing.

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Community

ALS graduation and moving-up ceremony empowers Initao jail PDLs 

by Contributor
written by Contributor

INITAO, Misamis Oriental — In a meaningful step toward rehabilitation through education, Initao District Jail held its Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduation and moving-up ceremony on July 15, 2025, at 2 p.m., inside the facility’s IDJ Multi-Purpose Area.

Twelve persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were honored for their educational achievements. Among them, three male PDLs completed the elementary level, while seven successfully graduated from junior high school. In a commendable gesture, two released PDLs were also recognized for having completed their ALS education during their time in custody.

The ceremony was attended by JSInsp Glen Robert C Madarieta, acting jail warden of Initao District Jail, and SJO4 Aldrin S. Baaclo, assistant jail warden. Also present were Dr. Pio R. Bagares (PSDS of Initao North District), representatives from the Department of Education’s ALS program, headed by Ronjie C. Rosete (education program specialist), with Riza C. Paulin (district ALS focal person), and ALS teachers Ariel A. Asidre, Caryl B. Arbiso, Harold Dane R. Waga, And Jece Joy D. Magpulong—who have been vital partners in providing accessible education to PDLs as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

In his message, Maradieta lauded the graduates for their perseverance and determination, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool for change and a gateway to a better future. He also expressed his gratitude to the DepEd ALS facilitators for their continued commitment to uplifting the lives of PDLs through learning.

The ALS program at Initao District Jail continues to be a cornerstone of the BJMP’s mission to reform and reintegrate PDL into society, proving that it is never too late to learn, grow, and transform.

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Community

Hope Behind Bars: Iligan City Jail celebrates ALS completers on Nelson Mandela Day

by Contributor
written by Contributor

ILIGAN CITY — Raffy never imagined that a detention cell would become his classroom. Yet on this morning, dressed in a crisp yellow shirt and holding a certificate with trembling hands, he stood among eleven other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD), not as an inmate, but as a graduate.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) completion ceremony held inside the jail compound was a powerful testament to transformation, resilience, and hope. Twelve PDL—eight junior high school completers and four elementary completers—defied the odds, proving that education can thrive even in the most unlikely places.

This year’s ceremony carried deeper meaning: it was held on Nelson Mandela International Day, a global observance that honors the legacy of the late South African president and human rights icon. Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison before leading his country to democracy, once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Today, that weapon was wielded by those society often overlooks.

A joint celebration of learning and liberation

The event was a joint celebration for both the Male Dormitory (ICJMD) and the Female Dormitory (ICJFD), where the ALS program has been steadily transforming lives. Key figures from the Department of Education – Division of Iligan City attended, including Guillermo L. Fuentes, Public Schools District Supervisor for South II District, and Avemar T. Gonzaga, ALS Focal Person, whose tireless efforts have brought learning into locked spaces.

Presiding over the event were JCInsp Carmelo A. Corsame, ICJMD jail warden, and JInsp Krizza Jane C. Bermudo, jail warden of ICJFD. Both wardens spoke with pride and emotion as they addressed the graduates.

“This ceremony is a declaration that our PDLs are capable of change,” said Corsame. “ALS has given them a second chance, and we are here to support them every step of the way.”

“When our PDL learn, they begin to heal. They begin to hope. And that hope radiates beyond these walls,” added JINSP Bermudo. “We’ve seen how ALS restores dignity and purpose.”

A tribute through art and emotion

A highlight of the program was a moving dance interpretation of Gary Valenciano’s “Take Me Out of the Dark,” performed by the PDL themselves. Their graceful movements told a story of struggle, surrender, and salvation—mirroring their own journey through incarceration and learning.

The keynote speech was delivered by Blair D. Castillon, Education Program Supervisor in EPP/TLE and Assistant Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division. Drawing inspiration from the song and Mandela’s legacy, Castillon’s words resonated deeply:

“Like the song says, we all stumble, we all forget—but learning teaches us to trust again,” Castillon said. “ALS is about reaching into the dark and finding the light. For our PDL, education is the hand that pulls them out of isolation and into hope. Today, they’ve shown us that redemption begins when we choose to believe in their future.”

Why Mandela Day matters

Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on July 18, marks Mandela’s birthday and honors his 67 years of public service. The United Nations encourages people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes to helping others, symbolizing each year Mandela spent fighting for justice.

Mandela’s legacy is especially poignant in the context of prison education. In 2015, the UN expanded Mandela Day’s scope to highlight the importance of humane prison conditions, the inclusion of prisoners in society, and the critical role of prison staff. The ALS program at Iligan City Jail embodies these values, offering not just education but dignity, purpose, and a path forward.

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity,” Mandela once said. Today, Iligan City Jail answered that challenge with compassion and courage.

A future beyond bars

As the graduates returned to their dormitories, the message was clear: behind every locked door, there is a mind waiting to be opened. And in Iligan City Jail, education has become the key.

On this Mandela Day, the ALS completers, aside from certificates, also received a renewed sense of self-worth and a glimpse of a brighter future. Their journey echoes Mandela’s own: from confinement to liberation, from silence to voice, from darkness to light.

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Community

Behind bars, beyond limits: DOLE empowers PDLs with first-of-its-kind livelihood grant

by Contributor
written by Contributor

ILIGAN CITY  — History was quietly made behind the walls of the Iligan City Jail–Male Dormitory as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) formally turned over a ₱350,000-worth livelihood grant—the first of its kind under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) for any jail facility in Region X.

This pioneering initiative, titled “Handicrafts Behind Bars,” marks a bold departure from conventional rehabilitation approaches. Through the grant, the jail’s registered PDL association “Workers Behind Bars”  will serve as lead implementer, managing a suite of creative and sustainable livelihood activities that aim to enrich both lives and livelihoods within confinement.

Existing programs such as bamboo crafting and recycling of materials will receive expanded support, allowing PDL to enhance their skills in transforming local and discarded resources into valuable artisan goods. These ventures have already begun planting seeds of entrepreneurship and self-worth among participants.

Further broadening the scope, new crafts—such as dream catcher weaving and bead making—are set to commence. These tactile, expressive arts will provide therapeutic engagement and a sense of personal investment, helping PDL rediscover purpose through creative expression.

The ceremony was a gathering of DOLE officials, jail administrators, and PDL representatives, with Jail Warden JCInsp Carmelo A. Corsame delivering a rousing welcome. Messages from DOLE provincial head Criste O. Perfecto and Workers Behind Bars chair Elmar S. Patilan echoed a shared commitment to breaking cycles of hopelessness through skills training and structured opportunity.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also called the Kabuhayan Program, is a grant-based initiative by the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines that supports vulnerable groups—like displaced workers, parents of child laborers, and persons with disabilities—through startup funding, business enhancement aid, equipment provision, and restoration support for livelihood projects. Implemented via DOLE regional offices or accredited partners, it aims to promote self-employment, reduce poverty, and strengthen community resilience by providing up to ₱20,000 for individuals and up to ₱1 million for group projects.

Beyond its immediate impact, the grant signals DOLE’s evolving role in restorative justice. It amplifies the principle that every individual, regardless of circumstance, deserves the chance to build toward a better future, especially when community, policy, and compassion converge.

With stakeholders aligned and PDL eager to begin, Region X now stands as a trailblazer in jail-based enterprise. The journey ahead holds promise—not just for crafted goods, but for lives re-crafted through dignified work and meaningful transformation.

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