To facilitate a reflective exploration of the transformative power of education for the country’s prison community, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and the Social Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Business Institute (SETBI) jointly hosted the 3rd International Conference on Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)’s Transformative Education for Successful Re-entry on October 9-11, 2024, at the USeP Obrero Campus, Davao City. Bearing the theme, “Beyond Barriers: Reconnect and Rebuild”, the conference gathered educators, administrators, students, practitioners, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), lawmakers, law enforcers, wardens, and business leaders from different parts of the country and abroad, to deliberate on the topics, issues, and ideas most relevant to higher education in the prison community; thus, invigorating political conversations in the field.USeP Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Roger C. Montepio opened the conference while SETBI President Dr. Aland D. Mizell and USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. gave powerful messages contending that higher education coupled with values formation serves as a significant step in reimagining societal privilege and systemic inequalities through the lens of PDLs. Moreover, both underscored that education is a right that must be afforded to all people and that it is a shared responsibility.
Adding to the importance of the conference were the insightful speeches and words of challenge from the keynote speakers who graced the event: Associate Professor and Emerson Prison Initiative Director Dr. Mnessha Gellman; Commission on Higher Education Chair Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III; and Correctional Education Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education of the United States Department of States Director Atty. Sean Addie. Personalities from USeP, Davao del Norte State College, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also shared programs, policies, innovations, advocacies, and unique strategies in their respective fields in reinforcing the importance of preservation of human dignity and the hope for new beginnings for those who have faced the challenges of incarceration.
The conference also featured life-changing testimonies of successful former PDLs. Their testimonies highlighted how values formation and right and positive attitude towards life and recovery with the transformative effect of education help in facilitating re-entry into society.
Moreover, the conference highlighted the sharing of experiences and findings of studies on prison-based education and programs and their role in reducing recidivism.
In her closing statement, SETBI Vice President Atty. Susan P. Cariaga reminded the attendees that these types of programs for prison communities at a larger scope is a movement- that “has been gaining momentum but the momentum is not there yet”; hence inviting everyone to continue their fruitful endeavors.
A tour of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) and the Davao City jail officially wrapped up the international conference.
