The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Mandaue City is taking a groundbreaking step towards inmate rehabilitation with the planned launch of a "College Behind Bars" program. This initiative, targeted for operation by 2026, will enable qualified persons deprived of liberty to pursue a college degree while serving their sentences.
Building the Foundation for Education
Jail Superintendent Warden Jessie Gingoyon outlined the practical steps being taken to make this vision a reality. The project will commence with the construction of new facilities and the priority rehabilitation of the jail's existing Alternative Learning System classroom. This physical preparation is crucial to creating a conducive environment for higher learning within the correctional facility.
A partnership with Mandaue City College (MCC) is in the final stages of being formalized. The warden confirmed that the BJMP–Mandaue is currently working on a memorandum of agreement with the college and other partner institutions to establish the program's framework. The project is being developed under the leadership of Senior Inspector Roselle Paracale, who is spearheading the efforts to institutionalize this educational opportunity.
Eligibility and Course Offerings
The proposed program has clear eligibility criteria designed to build upon existing educational foundations. Inmates who have successfully completed the K to 12 curriculum will be qualified to enroll in the college courses offered inside the jail.
Initial course offerings will focus on practical and in-demand fields to enhance future employability. Business Management and Information Technology (IT) have been identified as the primary courses. Gingoyon explained that inmates will be allowed to take one course, such as Business Management, aligning the program with market needs to help secure employment post-release.
A Step Towards Sustainable Reintegration
This program represents a significant evolution in rehabilitation efforts at the Mandaue City Jail. Developed with the support of the Mandaue City Government and MCC, the "College Behind Bars" initiative has a multi-faceted mission:
- To provide access to quality higher education for inmates.
- To promote personal growth and development during incarceration.
- To equip participants with tangible skills that facilitate successful reintegration into society after serving their sentences.
Gingoyon expressed optimism about the timeline, stating, "Hopefully, by next year, 2026, there will already be a college operating inside the facility." If implemented as planned, this program will mark a progressive shift towards empowering inmates to rebuild their lives through education, offering them a meaningful path forward while still in custody.
