Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Lobregat cites alternative learning scheme for ex-prisoners By Sheila E. Covarrubias
MAYOR Celso Lobregat Tuesday lauded the introduction of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for former prisoners, citing it as one effective strategy to bring them back to the mainstream of society.
“We need this kind of learning system for minor drug offenders, probationers, pardonees,” he told the Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice, which initiated the activity.
The ALS was launched Tuesday morning at the Justice Hall with over 30 beneficiaries. The program seeks to provide the participants with non-formal training on basic writing and reading skills including vocational skills.
Lobregat, who was the guest speaker during the launching program, said former prisoners need to make a decent re-entry into society, the proper guidance, counsel and compassion and need to be transformed into respectable citizens of the city.
In the same message, the mayor vowed to continue supporting the local Justice Department for its maintenance and other operating expenses every year.
Yearly, the City Government sits down with representatives from the Regional Trial Court and the Municipal Trial Court for the appropriation of funds in the executive budget.
The funds are being used for office supplies, air conditioning systems, and other office needs in the local Justice Department.
Also present during the launching program were Councilors Rudy Lim and Jaime Cabato, ALS coordinators, Parole officer Lizabel Caoile, Bensali Hassan, Ustadz Abdulgani Dagun and ALS facilitators.
