FORTY inmates of the Pampanga provincial jail are expected to start their basic literacy education under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program on January 15.
According to Arlene Fajardo of the Provincial Employment Services Office (Peso) and focal person of the ALS program, the 40 individuals comprise the second batch of inmates who shall benefit from the said program.
Fajardo said ALS is implemented by the Pampanga Provincial Government in its desire to provide a cost effective alternative learning option for achieving basic and functional literacy among target learners.
The program is implemented through the Peso, Provincial Cooperative Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCedo), Provincial Library and the Non Formal Education Division of the Department of Education (DepEd).
She said Francis Calma, ALS mobile teacher of DepEd Non-Formal Education program, will be conducting twice a week sessions with the target inmates until October of this year.
Peso Head Luningning Vergara said that through the ALS program, inmates who have not completed their basic elementary and secondary education are given the chance to finish their education while serving their sentences inside the jail.
With ALS, Vergara said inmates will be better prepared for their reintegration in their respective communities once they completed serving their sentences.
Some of the program beneficiaries have been serving their sentences for some years now, Liwanag said, adding that the program also forms part of the inmates’ rehabilitation process.
The first batch of ALS inmate-beneficiaries took their examinations last November 15, results of which are expected to be released this March.
“If they successfully pass the examinations, they would be receiving their high school education certificates duly signed by the secretary of Education as proofs of their having completed their secondary education,” Vergara said.
The inmates’ quest for learning as shown in their active participation and diligence in doing their lessons is very heartwarming and at the same time very fulfilling, she ended. (Press Release/PIO)