Cagayan de Oro City – Under the dynamic leadership of JSUPT MARLON J YMBALLA, DSC, the Cagayan de Oro City Jail Male Dormitory, in collaboration with the Female Dormitory headed by JSINSP MARY ROSE S PACANA, proudly celebrates another milestone in its reformation and rehabilitation programs as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) successfully completed their education under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) on July 11, 2025.
A total of 104 PDL learners from the Male Dormitory were enrolled in the ALS program. Of these, 72 remain under custody, while 34 have already been released. Their academic achievements include:
- 19 PDL graduated from the Elementary Level
- 52 completed Junior High School
- 29 completed Grade 11
- 4 graduated from Senior High School
The Female Dormitory also recorded significant accomplishments:
- 4 PDLs graduated from Elementary
- 25 completed Junior High School
- 61 completed Grade 11
- 34 earned their Senior High School diplomas
Despite the limitations of confinement, these PDLs demonstrated resilience and a strong desire to learn. Their achievements reflect the power of education to inspire change and create opportunities for a better future—even behind bars.
This milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Department of Education, through its Alternative Learning System (ALS) program.
The event was graced by top BJMP officials:
- JCSUPT FELIXBERTO S. JAGORIN JR, DSC, Regional Director, BJMP Region X
- JSSUPT GIL V INOPIA, Assistant Regional Director for Administration, BJMP Region X
Their presence underscored the BJMP’s continuing commitment to rehabilitation through education.
The graduation ceremony was further highlighted by Ms. Moreno Y. Daba IV, who served as the Guest Speaker. Her message inspired hope and reaffirmed the importance of inclusive education for all, especially for those seeking second chances in life.
Other distinguished guests included:
- Mr. Angelito U. Felisilda, Public School District Supervisor, Southwest I
- Ms. Rubeneth V. Salazar, Education Program Specialist II
- Mr. Rudy P. Villalobos, Principal I, Lumbia Central School
- Mr. Frederico Espina, Assistant Principal, Lumbia Central School
- Ms. Maurita Donasco, Principal, Lumbia National High School
- Ms. Jinky M. Arnejo, OIC-CTD/PSDS
- Hon. Suzette Magtajas-Daba, former Chairperson, Committee on Education
ALS Teachers:
Elementary & Junior High School:
Dave Bagares, Gretchen Linaac, Aymie Claire Butlig
Senior High School:
Catelyn Pastrano (Coordinator), Roxan Jean Abacahin, Nikki Reyes, Farhana Bilangatao, Jordan Go, James Ramirez, Danica Reyes, Cathelyn Matias, Shiela Marie Gefes
The successful ALS graduation ceremony is a testament to the BJMP’s holistic approach to corrections—one that emphasizes not only custodial care but also the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDL into society. It proves that through education, even those behind bars can take steps toward building a brighter, more hopeful future.
