A total of 957 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) successfully graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) on 27 June 2025.
This significant milestone reflects the continuing commitment of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and DepEd to deliver inclusive education, even to those within correctional facilities. Among the graduates were 184 PDLs who completed the Basic Literacy Program, 206 from Lower Elementary, 221 from Advanced Elementary, and 346 from the Junior High School level.
The ceremony was graced by Ms. Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, along with DepEd officials. In an emotional speech, Ms. Feliciano expressed her belief that there is always hope and a future beyond incarceration.
Notably, the IPPF ALS program achieved an 89% passing rate in the recent Accreditation and Evaluation Test conducted by DepEd–Puerto Princesa City—the highest among all ALS clusters in the city, particularly in the Advanced Elementary and Junior High School levels.
Outstanding learners were honored with special awards in recognition of their dedication and resilience in pursuing education despite their circumstances.
This achievement is part of IPPF’s broader reformation initiatives, led by CTSO4 Manuel P Tabang, Chief of the Education and Training Section. The ALS program continues to serve as a cornerstone in helping PDLs acquire the skills and knowledge needed for reintegration into society as productive citizens.
BuCor Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, through IPPF Superintendent C/SUPT GARY A GARCIA, RCrim, MSCA, expressed gratitude to DepEd and the ABS-CBN Foundation for their invaluable support.
CO1 Ma Eden F Larawan
CO1 Jayvee F Demafelis
Contributors
