Sharing the festivities of the Christmas season to PDL (Persons Deprived of Liberty) students of the College Education Behind Bars program of CBSUA-CANR, a Christmas Party cum planning workshop was held at the Bureau of Management and Penology (BJMP)-Naga City District Jail on December 20, 2024.
The event is themed, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: A Day of Reflection, Gratitude, and Isnpiration for the Education Behind Bars Program.” Partaking in the said occasion are CBSUA key officials, CANR faculty, BJMP officials, and families of the PDLs.
JCINSP Atty. Rodolfo I. Versoza, Jr., the Acting District Jail Warden of the Naga City District Jail Male Dormitory, warmly welcomed all attendees in his welcome remarks. He strongly encouraged the PDLs to finish what they have started in the College Ed Behind Bars program of CBSUA-CANR. He also asked for the families’ continued support of the PDL students’ educational journey to motivate them more. Meanwhile, Dr. Emerson Bergonio, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, reflected on the theme of the event. He shared his thoughts on reflection, that everyone must not focus on the challenges but on opportunities; gratitude, to thank oneself before thanking others; and finally inspiration, that they may continue to be inspired for they also inspire others outside.
Selected PDLs were also given the opportunity before everyone. They thanked the BJMP for the opportunities they open for them and CBSUA for the initiative. A sharer said, “Sa buhay kang tao, ikulong man kita physically, mentally dae kita pwede ikulong.” Another sharer said, “Even though we are PDLs, we are not deprived of education.” One visiting family member expressed her high hopes for all the PDLs and that they finish their studies.
Fun party games, intermission numbers, and shared food kept the event even merrier. Gifts prepared by CANR were given to the student PDLS. Campus Adminsitrator, Dr. Allan Del Rosario ended the program with his closing remarks, commending the Dean of CANR, Ms. Edlynne Kaith Manlangit and her faculty who were instrumental in making such initiative possible. He asked everyone to stay committed to the program until all students graduate.
The College Education Behind Bars program spearheaded by CBSUA-CANR is the first of its kind in the Region and Southern Luzon. CBSUA’s conduct of this event only testifies its determination to uplift not only its students’ academic standing but also their mental well-being even of the PDLs.
