The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in partnership with the San Miguel Foundation (SMF) and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta-Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES), celebrated the turn-over of the newly renovated UPHSD-BES building and its first-ever Alumni Homecoming 2025 on 6 May 2025 at the Medium Security Camp-New Bilibid Prison.
The ceremony, attended by Justice Karl B. Miranda of Sandiganbayan 6th Division; Ms. Cecile Ang, SMF Chairman; Ms. Maria Raquel Paula G. Lichauco, SMF Executive Director; Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, UPHSD President; Ms Daisy Tamayo, UPHSD Co-founder; and Dr. Arnaldo De Guzman, UPHSD School Director, marked a significant step towards improving educational facilities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the prison system.
The newly renovated building, funded by the San Miguel Foundation, now with enhanced learning facilities, including a state-of-the-art computer laboratory, updated school supplies, and comfortable seating arrangements, all aimed at building a better learning environment for the PDLs. These upgrades were part of the foundation’s “Better World Bilibid” initiative, designed to provide the PDLs with the tools needed to continue their education and personal development while serving their sentences.
BuCor Director General GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.) CESE, CCLH, expressed his deep appreciation for the generosity of Mr. Ramon Ang, Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), and his daughter, Cecile Ang, who heads the SMC Foundation.
“With the support of San Miguel Foundation, the renovation of the UPHSD-BES building is a powerful symbol of the collaboration between public and private sectors in promoting education as a key element in the reformation and reintegration of PDLs,” said DG CATAPANG.
In addition to the P50 million investment in educational facilities, the SMC Foundation has already started late last year the fulfillment of its P100 million worth of food commitment spread over three years made by Mr. Ang.
The event also highlighted the dedication and progress of PDLs through the alumni homecoming. The ceremony honored seven outstanding alumni of UPHSD-BES, who were recognized for their perseverance to education and self-improvement despite their circumstances.
The alumni were awarded Certificates of Recognition by CT/SSUPT DOROTHY BERNABE, Director of the Directorate for Reformation, alongside Dr. Tamayo, Dr. De Guzman, and CTSO3 Sonny S Pesa, Chief of the Education and Training Section.
BuCor, SMF, and UPHSD-BES remain committed to creating meaningful changes in the lives of PDLs, exemplifying that reformation extends far beyond mere punishment but also building skills, knowledge, and values that can aid in reintegration into society.
