CPDRC launches ALS program

CEBU, Philippines - Close to 200 inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center will now have the opportunity to continue their education through the Alternative Learning System which the jail management formally launched yesterday.

The program started in January and has already benefited at least 170 inmates.

Maria Daphne Daño, one of the ALS teachers, said there were 15 inmates enrolled in basic literacy program, 66 enrolled in elementary level, and 89 enrolled in secondary level.

“The class started last January and it will end in October. Every October there is an examination,” she said.

Daño explained that the inmates-enrollees will automatically get a diploma equivalent to elementary or secondary if they pass the exams.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is hoping that the ALS program will help the inmates pursue their education despite being in the jail facility.

 â€œHopefully makatabang ni puhon sa mga inmates inig gawas nila. I believe dunay ka-sabutan ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) ug ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nga hatagan sila’g opportunity nga makatrabaho,” Davide said.

Davide told the inmates to grab the opportunity to finish their studies.

ALS is a modular non-formal education program in the Philippines intended for dropouts in elementary and secondary schools, and out-of-school youths.  (FREEMAN)