November 11, 2024 – With the support of Mayor Albee Benitez, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), in partnership with Bacolod City College (BCC), launched the College Education Behind Bars program. This initiative allows 25 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship within the BJMP Male Dormitory at Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City.

The program, designed for PDLs with a Senior High School diploma, follows a four-year curriculum aligned with the regular school calendar. Classes will be held in a flexible, hybrid format to accommodate the students’ availability.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed in the office of Mayor Albee Benitez. Present were Dr. Ma. Johanna Ann R. Bayoneta, PhD, College Administrator of BCC; JSUPT Abner C. Zamora, DDm, Jail Warden, representing BJMP Regional Director JCSUPT Simeon S. Dolojo, MPA; JSUPT Felix Sariana; JINSP Rushel Manso; JSUPT Norberto Micano Jr.; JINSP Raymund Aro; JSINSP Jona Guadalupe; and representatives from Bacolod City College.

(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)