Iligan City, Philippines – The College of Education (CED) at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) proudly launched the ‘Reclaiming Freedom through Sports, Dance, and Exercise’ project at the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD), Tipanoy, Iligan City. This initiative, implemented by CED’s Physical Education department, mobilizes the entire department with enthusiastic volunteers from the Masters of Science in Physical Education (MSPE) program.
The project features a year-long clinic offering a variety of sports activities such as volleyball, basketball, and choreographies. The clinic goes beyond teaching basic and advanced techniques of these sports, incorporating lessons on officiating to enhance the professional knowledge of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at both ICJMD and the Iligan City Jail-Female Dormitory (ICJFD). This initiative aims to professionalize sports events within the facility.
In addition to improving athletic skills, the project emphasizes the importance of teamwork, socialization, and discipline. Through sports and choreography, participants are encouraged to work together, build strong social connections, and develop a sense of discipline that contributes to their overall rehabilitation. By engaging in these activities, PDL not only improve their physical well-being but also foster a positive and supportive community within the facility.
Dr. Monera A. Salic Hairulla, dean of the College of Education, stated, “This activity is not just about sports and choreography; it is about reclaiming freedom, fostering a sense of community, and promoting personal growth among the PDL.”
JCINSP CARMELO A CORSAME, city jail warden of ICJMD, and JINSP MARIVIC D VERGARA, warden of ICJFD, gratefully received the sports equipment donated by MSU-IIT during the program’s launch.
In his speech, JCINSP Corsame praised MSU-IIT for the initiative, emphasizing that sports, exercises, and dances help PDL navigate their emotions while in incarceration. He expressed his gratitude to MSU-IIT for its significant contribution to community relations through the ‘Behind the Bars’ program.
The program unveiled is an integral part of the ‘Behind the Bars’ initiative, which began in November 2023 through a partnership between MSU-IIT and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region X (BJMPRO-X). The ‘Behind the Bars’ program extends beyond physical education, offering a wide range of courses including English literacy, computer programming, cooking, baking, and cosmetology. These courses are designed to foster entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and interpersonal skills among PDL. The program was renewed for another year with a memorandum of agreement signed on February 13, 2025, at MSU-IIT.
