Conclusion
In my experience 14 years ago, the memory of women and young adults who have chosen to undergo the program relayed to me many times how, looking back, had they only received proper education earlier in their lives, it would have given them the ability to make better choices in solving their problems. Hence, I agree with Secretary Angara when he says that the current MOA reinforces as well as strengthens the resolution of the Department of Education and BJMP in making sure that no learner is left behind by providing hope, dignity and a brighter future for all Filipinos.
Over the past three years, 20,000 PDL’s have enrolled in ALS. In school year 2023-2024 alone, 5,596 PDL’s enrolled in elementary, 9,286 in junior high school and 5,983 in senior high school under the Alternative Learning System program. In initiating meaningful change in the lives of persons deprived of liberty, BJMP chief Ruel Rivera expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the DepEd and in behalf of all PDLs on their longstanding partnership in order to foster a just and humane society by putting a strong emphasis on education.
In expanding educational access, the Department of Education plays a very significant role in the lives of all Persons Deprived of Liberty by developing their skills (life skills for that matter), boosting their self-esteem and helping them reintegrate back into society as valuable citizens that are able to participate and contribute to nation building.
Taking appropriate measures and making education accessible to all is the promise of the state as it is essential for promoting social justice. Undeniably, education has the power to transform our lives as its dynamic process engages all learners in a holistic manner while ensuring that this process includes the most marginalized and underserved populations.