ILIGAN CITY — For Resty, a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory, the idea of managing finances seemed irrelevant—until now. On April 26, 2025, he joined around 60 fellow PDL in a financial literacy training led by the College of Economics, Business, and Accountancy (CEBA) of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
Held at the Welfare and Development Activity Area of Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory, the program aimed to equip PDL with essential financial skills to help them reintegrate into society successfully. Participants learned about budgeting, saving and spending, investments, and insurance—tools necessary for achieving financial independence.
For Resty, the training provided more than just numbers and theories—it offered hope. “I never really thought about saving or planning for the future before, but now, I feel like I have a chance to prepare for life outside,” he shared.
Financial literacy is particularly vital for PDL, many of whom face significant challenges upon release. Without financial knowledge, they risk falling into economic instability, which could lead to recidivism.
CEBA head of delegation Assistant Prof. Charlyn M. Capulong, along with her team, highlighted the significance of such training in rehabilitation. “More than managing money, financial literacy is about restoring dignity and enabling economic independence,” she explained.
JCINSP CARMELO A CORSAME, warden of the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory, praised the initiative and stressed its long-term impact. “This training is essential in helping our PDL transition into productive citizens upon release. Learning how to budget, save, and invest gives them tools to rebuild their lives,” he noted.
Beyond financial skills, the training empowered participants with confidence and knowledge that could reshape their future. For PDL like Resty, understanding financial matters isn’t just about securing stability—it’s about reclaiming control over their lives.
