Iligan City, Philippines — In a continuing effort to equip Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with skills for reintegration into society, the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory launched a welding training program benefiting 20 participants. The training is part of a series designed to prepare PDL for National Certificate II (NCII) certification upon release.
The trainers are professors from the Department of Technology Education, College of Education at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). This initiative falls under the “Behind the Bars” Program—a partnership between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and MSU-IIT, first signed in November 2023 and renewed in February 2025.
Since its inception, Behind the Bars has empowered more than 300 PDL in various fields including painting and visual arts, computer literacy, English proficiency, and basic house wiring, among others.
Because of its sustained impact and unwavering support, MSU-IIT was honored as one of BJMP’s Best Community Partners during the Bureau’s 34th Anniversary celebration in Manila on July 2, 2025.
JCINSP CARMELO A CORSAME, Iligan City Jail Warden, expressed gratitude and optimism, “This welding program marks another milestone in our journey toward meaningful rehabilitation. With MSU-IIT as our steadfast partner, we remain committed to nurturing hope and providing our PDL with the skills they need to start anew.”
The welding training represents a vital step in restorative justice—transforming time behind bars into time spent building futures.
