DOJ, TESDA sign MOA on welfare, training of probationers, parolees

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the skills training of probationers, parolees, and pardonees, the agency said Monday.

According to the DOJ, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez signed the MOA.

Under the MOA, the DOJ is mandated to screen qualified beneficiaries to be referred to TESDA.

It will also inform and encourage beneficiaries to avail of the skills training programs of TESDA that may aid them in employment.

Aside from this, the department will coordinate with local government units for possible support and to provide a venue through its regional or field offices for skill training.

Meanwhile, the DOJ said that TESDA will facilitate the access to skills training through the extension and mobile training programs of TVET providers.

TESDA must also conduct an analysis to determine the training programs that will be provided to the beneficiaries.

"Once again, this milestone in our Corrections system was made possible by the earnest and diligent efforts of our present government under the Bagong Pilipinas movement to reform and transform lives, ensuring that no one gets left behind in our path to progress, even those undergoing reformation and corrections," Remulla said.

The DOJ explained that probationers are individuals who are convicted of a criminal offense but are placed under the supervision of a probation officer instead of being detained.

Parolees are prisoners who are released after serving their minimum sentence while pardonees are prisoners who are released on parole or conditional pardon with parole conditions in place, according to the department. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KG, GMA Integrated News