Sara urges PDLs to enroll in alternative learning system

While visiting the Metro Bacolod District Jail in Bacolod City, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Sunday encouraged persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who were unable to finish their studies to enroll in the Department of Education’s (DepEd's) alternative learning system.

“Hinikayat ko rin sila na mag-enroll sa Alternative Learning System ng Department of Education para sa gustong mag-equivalency sa elementary at high school para meron silang pagkakataon na makatapos ng pag-aaral. Para sa kanilang paglabas, meron silang oportunidad na makapagtrabaho,” she said in a social media post.

(I also encourage those who want an elementary and high school equivalency to enroll in the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education so that they have a chance to finish their education. With this, they will have the opportunity to work once they get released.)

Duterte also asked the PDLs to help their children understand the importance of education and finishing their studies.

“Lagi kong pinapaalala na ang buhay ay puno ng pagsubok ngunit kung ikaw ay may pinag-aralan at nakatapos ng pagaaral, ikaw ay mas magkakaroon ng oportunidad na maging malakas sa maraming hamon ng buhay,” she added.

(Remember that life is full of challenges, but if you are educated and are able to finish school, you will get more strength to face these challenges.)

Duterte said she also asked the Office of the Vice President satellite offices to help provide lawyers whom the PDLs could seek legal advice from.

“[Ito’y] tungkol sa kanilang mga kaso, katulad ng mga pwede nang lumaya pero hindi makakalabas dahil hindi naasikaso ang kanilang mga papel o di kaya ang mga maysakit at matatanda na pwede ng mag-apply ng clemency sa pamahalaan,” she said.

(They could help the PDLs with their cases, particularly those who can be released but are unable to do so because their papers are not being taken care of, or the sick and elderly PDLs who can apply for clemency with the government.)

The Vice President also asked the PDLs to support the government and thanked the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology for the visit. — DVM, GMA Integrated News