MANILA – Nineteen female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory earned their college degrees from behind bars, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.
In a news release, the DOJ said the development marked “a pivotal moment not only in education but also in hope and empowerment for women seeking brighter futures.”
During the graduation ceremony, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez highlighted the transformative nature of the graduates’ achievements.
“This moment is not merely the culmination of your hard work and perseverance; it represents a pivotal transformation in your lives, a chance to rewrite your narratives and embrace new possibilities," she said.
Gutierrez said their journey mirrors the spirit of determination and hope, notwithstanding one’s past or gender.
“Today, you are not just graduates; you are role models, trailblazers, and advocates for change. Nawa’y ang inyong mga kwento ay magsilbing inspirasyon sa iba upang maniwala sa kanilang halaga at potensyal, at nawa’y palagi kayong tumayo para sa karapatan at dignidad ng lahat ng kababaihan (May your stories serve as inspiration for others to believe in their worth and potentials, and may you always stand for the right and dignity of all women),” she added.
Gutierrez also praised the Quezon City government, led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, for its commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs and for empowering women in challenging circumstances.
The female PDLs earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship through the Alternative Learning System program, in a collaboration between the Quezon City government, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Quezon City University. (PNA)
