PANABO CITY – The first-ever graduation ceremony of the Davao del Norte State College and Social Entrepreneurship Technology and Business Institute College Education Behind Bars (DNSC-SETBI CEBB) took place on July 15, 2024, at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Six persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were officially declared graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship after completing the program’s academic requirements.

Graduates of the College Education Behind Bars program in DAPECOL. Photo by Randy Magayon, DNSC PIO.

Hon. J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), served as the Commencement Speaker. He remarked that although he has attended many graduation ceremonies, the CEBB graduation was special and unique due to the circumstances of its graduates and their commendable perseverance.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. de Vera III.
CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. de Vera III. Photo by Randy Magayon, DNSC PIO.

He emphasized, “We, in the government, believe that everyone is capable of being better than their worst moment. The best tool we can provide you to reshape and redirect your lives, and eventually succeed, is education.”

Also in attendance were Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Dr. Aland David Mizell, SETBI President and Founder, Atty. Susan P. Cariaga, SETBI Vice President and Co-Founder, Atty. Leah Marie Moral-Romano, Municipal Mayor of Braulio E. Dujali, Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CHED XI Regional Director, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, DNSC President, Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr., University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) President, and other officials from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), SETBI, and DNSC.

The CEBB program was established to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) transition from prison back into society. It aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge and competencies to become productive members of the community. In his welcome remarks, SETBI President Mizell shared a success story of a former student who secured a supervisory position in a private company after completing the program and reintegrating into society.

Dr. Aland David Mizell, SETBI President and Founder
Dr. Aland David Mizell. Photo by Randy Magayon, DNSC PIO.

The graduation attendees were moved as Chair De Vera addressed the graduates and told them, “You may be deprived of liberty but not of your fundamental rights, including education. Use this intellectual freedom to look and see yourselves differently and rewrite your story. Kayo ay mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Degree Holders. Gumagawa ng Kasaysayan (You are scholars of the nation. Degree Holders. History-makers.”

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