PUP Open University holds class in Manila City Jail

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System conducts its first in-person class for persons deprived of liberty on September 18, 2024 at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory. (Photo from PUP OUS/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS) held its first class in Manila City Jail Male Dormitory on Wednesday as a commitment to “more inclusive and equitable education” in the country.

The PUP OUS on July 2 signed an agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Manila City Jail to offer tertiary education to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The BJMP said the agreement is part of the rehabilitation program for the PDLs.

According to the PUP OUS, 72 PDLs participated in the class. They are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management program.

“The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and determination as the PDL students embraced this unique opportunity to further their education,” the PUP OUS Facebook post reads.

“The initiative equips them with valuable knowledge and skills, instills hope, and empowers them to envision a brighter future beyond their current circumstances,” it added.

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The university also said it would continue to conduct synchronous classes for the PDLs to provide them with the same academic opportunities and engagements as their counterparts at the main campus.

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Last March, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said sending PDLs to school would avoid repetitive offenses and would improve communities.

He cited 2023 data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government showing that a total of 19,299 PDLs managed to continue their education while being in BJMP facilities through educational partnerships. At least 5,927 PDLs were in the elementary level, 9,549 were in junior high school, 3,407 were in senior high school, and 416 were in college programs.

Twenty-four PDLs completed their degrees in 2023.