Many universities, private groups and government agencies have education programs in jails across the country.But CEBB is innovative and one-of-a-kind. In partnership with Davao City Jail, they built a facility where PDLs attend classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., just like regular students. The center has laptops and well-ventilated rooms where learning takes place, away from the noise and filth of crowded cells. After class, they return to the overcrowded jail. I used to tell Aland and Susan that CEBB is the only school where students get upset when there are no classes and can earn high grades because there are no after-school events.I attended one of their classes and observed that most students were women with drug-related cases. They were enrolled in a BS in Entrepreneurship program to support themselves after their release.I learned that USeP initially had some doubts about the program. However, once they saw how committed the students were – many of whom outperformed their regular students – they started championing the program.Graduates of the program have a zero recidivism rate. We all understand that some people commit crimes serious enough to require incarceration. The real question is whether prison becomes a dead end or an opportunity for renewal. About 80 percent of those incarcerated are held for drug-related offenses, many of whom are repeat offenders.

Studies show that unemployment is the main reason they reoffend. CEBB addresses this by combining education, skills training and rehabilitation.

The success of the CEBB at the Davao City Jail was quickly duplicated at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Davao del Norte through a partnership among SETBI, Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Dangerous Drugs Board.

The new facility was even more innovative. SETBI built a school and dormitory within the penal farm so PDL students could study and live separately, avoiding negative influences.

As CHED chairman, I arranged a grant through the DNSC to establish a state-of-the-art computer laboratory as part of its extension program in DPPF. The grant provided computers, servers, smart TVs and classroom equipment to enable real digital learning behind bars.

This is important because many PDLs are digitally excluded and struggle to reintegrate into today’s tech-driven society. The initiative also supported DNSC and SETBI in launching a BS in Information Systems to create more opportunities for PDLs seeking to enter the modern workforce.

I spoke at the first CEBB graduation ceremony at the DPPF. I declared that education has given PDLs more than just a degree – it has also bestowed respect and dignity. The PDLs may have been deprived of liberty, but we must not deprive them of the right to education.

CEBB, in collaboration with USeP and DNSC, now offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Technology, Agricultural Business, Entrepreneurship and BS Industrial Technology.

The success of the CEBB in Davao City and Davao del Norte comes from an adventurous NGO (SETBI), public universities (led by USeP president Bonifacio Gabales and DNSC president Joy Sorrosa) and government agencies (DDB, BuCor, BJMP, DPPF) who still believe reform is possible in the penal system.

USeP president Gabales and DNSC president Sorrosa are now championing its expansion across other public universities.

It has brought hope to hundreds of PDLs and more than 120 graduates are now employed, running businesses or working as program staff. Former PDLs now hold roles as managers, teachers, coordinators and even social entrepreneurs, helping fellow inmates earn income.

The CEBB model must be expanded nationwide so more PDLs can earn degrees while serving their sentences.

Indeed, education behind bars can help lower prison population, enhance community safety, turn incarceration into opportunity and permanently transform lives.