A total of 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) graduated from senior high school under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) during the 3rd commencement exercises held at the Leyte Regional Prison on Friday.

The ceremony, organized by the prison’s Education and Training Section in partnership with Cagbolo Senior High School, took place at the Maximum Security Camp with the theme, “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character.”

Leyte Regional Prison head Corrections Chief Supt. Ruben Formoso expressed gratitude to partner agencies and stakeholders for their support of the education program.

He said their collective efforts contributed significantly to the success of the initiative for PDL learners.

Cagbolo Senior High School head Menche Edloy emphasized in her message that education offers hope and opportunities for transformation even within correctional facilities.

“You are living proof that the human spirit, when nurtured with education, determination, and unwavering faith, can rise above every circumstance,” Edloy told the graduates.

The batch’s top student delivered a message of gratitude and a pledge of loyalty on behalf of the graduates.

The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies, including the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Parole and Probation Administration and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) were also present, along with the families of the graduates.

Aside from completing their senior high school education, 48 of the 50 graduates also earned the Electrical Installation and Maintenance National Certificate II (NC II) from TESDA. (PNA)