The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Mandaluyong City Jail has partnered with the Department of Alternative Education of La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) for Liwanag Project, a program that provides basic education and technical-vocational classes to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

This academic year, the initiative benefits 57 students in elementary and 135 in junior high school. There are also over 50 participants for the technical-vocational hairdressing courses. The monthly values formation seminars accommodate approximately 700 inmates.

In 2019, the venture commenced as a series of formation sessions, when Br. Vincent Fernandez, FSC, chairperson of the Commission on Alternative Education of the De La Salle Philippines, together with Br. Ruben Caluyong, FSC, now based at the Jaime Hilario Integrated School-De La Salle Bataan, started to conduct recollections for the PDLs of Mandaluyong City Jail.

At the onset of the pandemic, the PDLs expressed their interest to further their education. This inspired the Lasallian Brothers and the volunteer-teachers of LSGH to collaborate and elevate the sessions into full-fledged online classes for basic education and technical-vocational trainings.

The Liwanag Project, which follows the school calendar of the Department of Education (DepEd), has since produced a number of graduates: 14 for basic education, 49 for junior high school, 20 for technical-vocational hairdressing and eight for food and beverage classes.

“The project was established to fulfill the call to mission of our founder St. John Baptist De La Salle and we have always been convinced that it will continue for as long as we are needed,” stated LSGH Alternative Learning System team leader Catherine Laguitan. “We are always open to welcome all because education is for all.”

Their department likewise keeps in touch even after graduation or release from jail, so they can continue their education and participate in reunions.

The Liwanag Project recently extended its efforts to San Juan City Jail for alternative learning system and Values Formation classes. It likewise facilitated recollections for the personnel and PDLs of Valenzuela City Jail.

LSGH Department of Alternative Education conducts diverse programs for community learners, such as out-of-school youth and adults, students with special needs, as well as workers and domestic helpers.

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