The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) College of Criminology, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), conducted a training program for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Libmanan District Jail on October 30, 2025, through the Bars to Betterment Project. This initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to support their successful reintegration into society upon release.
A total of 30 individuals participated in the two-part activity, which featured an Empowerment and Reintegration Counseling Session led by Mr. Kenn Daniel Montecillo, and a hands-on Basic PDL Emergency Response Drill facilitated by Mr. Jan Czar Nocete.
District Jail Warden JSINSP Chona Apuac Seno expressed her gratitude to CBSUA for initiating the program, emphasizing that the training would help the PDLs enhance their physical, emotional, and social well-being while developing valuable first aid and life-saving skills.
Project Leader Dr. Lelia C. Taya-Furto shared that the main objective of the activity is to prepare PDLs with the necessary competencies and mindset for successful reintegration into the community. “By engaging in structured programs like these, PDLs gain essential tools and insights to navigate the challenges they may face after their release,” she said.
She also noted that this activity marks only the first phase of the Bars to Betterment Project. Under the guidance of College Dean Dr. Dionesia R. Berana, the College of Criminology has likewise partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to implement a series of technical and livelihood training programs, including home economics, bread and pastry production, meat processing, advanced computer operations, and digital printing technology.
The Bars to Betterment Project underscores CBSUA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—promoting rehabilitation, personal development, and reduced recidivism, while empowering PDLs to build a more hopeful and productive future beyond incarceration. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘉𝘚𝘜𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺
