Up to 51 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) completed livelihood training programs at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) - Roxas District Jail in Oriental Mindoro.

The initiative was a joint effort with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DILG) TUPAD Program.

According to JO3 Joefrie Anglo, Information Officer (IO) of the BJMP MIMAROPA, the 15-day program provided hands-on training in Service Motorcycle and Small Engine Systems for 26 PDLs, while 25 others learned the process of Organic Concoctions and Extracts Production.

District Jail Warden, Jail Senior Inspector Rodante Cayabyab, said this initiative was different from the usual TUPAD tasks, aiming to equip the PDLs with new skills for a better future.

“With a TESDA certification, they will be given a fair opportunity to secure employment and contribute meaningfully to the workforce upon their release from detention,” Cayabyab said.

The BJMP MIMAROPA Regional Office also expressed gratitude to the service providers and local government units for their support, urging the beneficiaries to maximize these opportunities for a fresh start.

The BJMP MIMAROPA pledged to continue partnering with government agencies to help PDLs develop skills that will prevent recidivism and prepare them for a successful reintegration into society.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)