A TOTAL of 204 inmates in Eastern Visayas have received hygiene kits from the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region in time of this year’s Yuletide season.

Noli Ann Billo, a corrections officer at the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) in Abuyog, Leyte, said that 60 inmates turned senior high school students and 144 Alternative Learning System (ALS) students received their kits.

Lawyer Fiel Almendra, DepEd-Eastern Visayas assistant director, and education project development officer IV Eden Dadap represented the region during the distribution of the gifts on December 20 through its partner New Life Calbayog.

Joining the event were Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Edgar Tenasas, who conceptualized in the opening of the first senior high school program for the inmates at the correctional facility.

Corrections Senior Superintendent Danilo Dador thanked the sponsor of the gifts for the PDLs.

DepEd regional director Ramir Uytico earlier lauded education officials in Leyte Division for its continued support to the PDLs.

“We always need stakeholders to support us in all undertakings in DepEd. The load becomes lighter if one lifts a finger to help,” Uytico told SunStar Philippines.

“Bringing education to the prison cell emphasizes inclusivity. Despite the situation that they are in, the inmates can make a difference by enrolling themselves in ALS and Senior High School offered inside. It takes only determination. The programs led by DepEd Leyte prepare them for their lives after serving inside,” added Uytico.

In November, the PDLs turned students also received musical instruments from the City Savings Bank in support of their studies.

Through the partnership of CSB and DepEd Leyte, the inmates received 10 bandurias, five guitars, three octavianas, two televisions and two projectors.

Leyte Divison opened the senior high school program at LRP last June 4 as part of its mission of providing access to education to students in the province.