To foster growth and support the rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement.
Despite the forecasted heat index reaching dangerous levels, key officials from CPSU and BJMP convened for the ceremonial signing, marking the initiation of a partnership between BJMP Binalbagan, and CPSU's College of Teacher Education (COTED) and its PAGTATAP Program (Pedagogical Application and Guidance: A Teacher Advocacy through Tutorial Assistance Project) for the Project BAYAN (Building Alternatives for Your Advancement and New Beginning).
Project BAYAN is an inclusivity-driven program designed to bolster the literacy and numeracy skills of PDLs under the custody of Binalbagan, providing the program beneficiaries with the opportunity to equip themselves with relevant knowledge and skills for their reintegration into society.
CPSU President, Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, expressed, “I thank the COTED team for this initiative and extend gratitude to our BJMP partners...This is a parallel action of the university as we are trying to engage our colleges with various communities and provide needed interventions. Identifying the creation of more cohesive efforts leading to the realization of our mission to propel the nation towards development as our objective.”
The COTED faculty and aspiring educators will actively participate by interacting and tutoring PDLs using instructional materials developed by the college, tailored to address the target needs of the PDLs.
Assistant Regional Director for Administration and Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator, JSSUPT MARIE ROSE J LAGUYO, MPSA, highlighted the significance of education in supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs in the society.
BJMP is expected to ensure the safety of the participants during the course of the project, ensure that all educational activities comply with the security and safety protocols, and provide manpower to facilitate and assist in conducting the project.
The partnership will favorably broaden the learning experiences of educators and aspirants and inspire them to extend future professional endeavors with underserved groups and contribute to societal development and the nation’s resilience.
JSINSP Joseph Anthony T. Bayan (on behalf of BJMP Regional Director JCSUPT Simeon S. Dolojo Jr., MPA), COTED Dean Dr. Merfe Hucalinas, Community and Extension Director Dr. Jimmy O. Degillo, and COTED Extension Coordinator Ms. Joe Ann C. Golez also delivered their respective keynote messages—highlighting the power of education in bridging gaps between underserved groups and livelihood through interagency cooperation.
Present during the event held at the CPSU Accreditation Center on April 14, 2025, were CPSU's Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, COTED faculty members, and BJMP Binalbagan officers.
The project serves as a testimony to CPSU and its partners’ shared commitment in providing sustainable support by capacitating the common Filipinos through quality and relevant education.
