Inmates also benefit from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Philippine government, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief JDir. Ruel Rivera said on Wednesday, August 16.
In an interview during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime, he said that persons deprived of liberty have access to ALS in 403 penitentiaries.
Rivera said that the BJMP offers up to college-level education through the ALS.
"Ang mga bilanggo natin ay natutulungan natin sa pamamagitan ng ALS program," the BJMP chief said.
"Marami na tayong success stories na nakita, narinig, na sila ay nakapag-aral, nakapagtapos at, paglabas nila, nabigyan sila ng trabaho sa labas dahil dito sa pag-aaral sa loob," he added.
Rivera explained that PDLs volunteer to undergo the education program.
While voluntary, the BJMP chief stressed that the inmates must undergo intake interview as well as a functional literacy test to determine their educational attainment and background.
"Alam naman natin na karamihan sa persons deprived of liberty ay undergraduates. Hindi nakapagtapos ng elementary, secondary, o senior (highschool)," he said.
Rivera said that BJMP urges PDLs to enter the ALS during their detention.
"Hinihimok natin sila na sumali sa mga ganitong program upang maging makabuluhán ang kanilang pananatili habang sila ay nakapiit sa ating mga bilangguan," he said.
Rivera further mentioned that participating in the ALS allows PDLs to garner Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), and reduce their sentence in prison.
