The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES) through the Education and Training Section (ETS) had its 34th Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Commencement Exercises for Baccalaureate Program and 6th Senior High School Graduation Rites with the theme, “Wholistic Approach Towards Excellence And Resurgence” held last September 20, 2023 at the Covered Court, Site Harry, Medium Security Camp (MedSeCamp).
The Commencement Exercises conferred the twelve (12) Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and forty-five (45) Senior High School PDL students. The program was organized and prepared by the Administration of the Dalta Bilibid Extension School (BES), MedSeCom and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Piñas (UPHSD-LP) together with the support of the Acting Camp Commander, NBP-MedSeCamp, C/CINSP RUBEN R FORMOSO, and Reformation Office headed by Deputy Camp Commander for Reformation C/INSP ESMERALDO E MACARIOLA.
The ETS headed by CTSO3 Sonny S Pesa and UPHSD-BES Chief CO2 Eloujeny V Masacote, MPA supervised the arrangement and set-up at the program site. C/SINSP JEROME B JUPIO, Deputy Camp Commander for Operations handled and provided the security plan for the visitors, guests, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Officials and parents of the graduating PDL students. The Reformation Office, Public Information Office, Education and Training Section, Security and Housing Unit, Special Reaction Unit, and the Overseer Office contributed to the success of the event. Government Official who graced the special event was Sandiganbayan Associate Justice HON. KARL B. MIRANDA. UPHSD Officials headed by DR. DAISY M. TAMAYO and other School Officers and BuCor Officials were likewise present in attendance.
Rev. Fr. Firmo N. Bargayo, Jr., SJ, Executive Director of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation officiated the mass attended by all the graduating students from the Senior High School and College.
Subsequently, the 34th Commencement Exercise for Baccalaureate and 6th Graduation Rites for Senior High School commenced at the ETS Covered Court. The program started with a processional of the graduating students together with their respective parents, faculty members, UPHSD Academic and Administration Officials, BuCor Officials and distinguished guests. The College Guild led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the invocation led by Rev. Fr. Firmo N. Bargayo, Jr.
CT/CSUPT MARIA FE MARQUEZ, Head Executive Assistant of the Office of the Director General (HEA-ODG) delivered the welcome address on behalf of GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.) CESE, Director General, BuCor. She emphasized the importance of education inside the prison facility because through this we will be able to establish our own identity. She also stated her all-out support for the goals of the Reformation Programs of the bureau.
An inspirational message then was given by Dr. Ben Antonio L. Tamayo, founder and Chairman of the Board of UPHSD. His video speech focused on the impact of the recent pandemic in our lives and the important role of the family particularly being the parents of the PDL learners. He asked the parents to fulfill their duties, continue to find ways to provide for their children and reminded the graduating students that in this time of uncertainty, they should lean to God, believe on what they can do and achieve. He ended his message by saying that “A True Perpetualite is Everywhere, You are a Nation Builder and a Helper of God.” Presentation of Candidates, Conferment of Titles and Degrees and Imposition of Hoods of the graduating students were executed by the parents of the candidates.
Guest Speaker Hon. MIRANDA delivered the Commencement Address focusing on three points. First, is the Time Allowance for Studying, Teaching and Mentoring (TASTM), which is under the Republic Act 10592. Second, learners should not be discouraged but learn to seek encouragement and third, is for the graduating class to be a good role models, to give inspiration and hope to other PDL. He also said that “Education in Prison is the Key to Reformation.” At the end of his message, he stressed the importance of being focus in order to have a smooth and successful life.
Distribution of Diplomas and Certificates were presented by both the UPHSD Officials and BuCor Officials to the graduating PDL students and proceeded to the College Office for a simple dinner and get-together.
“REFORM BUCOR”