Anticipating 2026!

College Education Behind Bars

I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe. As we bring 2025 to a close, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for the shared experiences and connections that have enriched us. Every moment, every encounter has left an indelible mark, and each individual has contributed to a collective triumph that we will cherish. The resolute determination of our PDL students, the selfless dedication of our team, the generosity of our benefactors, and the collaboration of government representatives, such as the Bureau of Correction leadership, have all been instrumental in the accomplishments we celebrate. Together, we have reached heights that honor God's purpose in our lives. As we look toward 2026, I urge us to continue with the same fervor and commitment to God that has guided us thus far.  Prisons and jails  are some of the darkest places on the earth. We are the light and we carry the Light which brings life, grace, redemption and restoration to prisoners and their families. Their lives and their childrens'can be transformed by perspective, understanding, and generosity. We are seeing great cultural shift in jails and prisons across the Philippines, and we are continuing to expand on the founding vision of restoration today. We are reframing the national and international  conversation through our 4^th Annual Conference on Higher Education Inside Prison and Jails and are advocating for a justice system which reflects that every person has internal value and God-given dignity. I believe many of tomorrow’s leaders are at the SETBI program right now, being shaped for a great purpose. SETBI is marking pathways to transformation, equipping the leaders, preparing the community to receive them back, raising a voice for justice that restores,  and igniting hope for this generation of culture changers. God continues to transform the hearts and soul of men and women in programs like the SETBI/MCI. In fact, we now have more than 25 universities replicating the SETBI College Education Behind Bars in 11 regions. The numbers are encouraging, but they are not nearly as powerful as the personal stories behind those numbers. Most New Year’s resolutions are short lived, and many of these resolutions end up being temporary rather permanent changes. Our SETBI graduates, however, are armed with life changing values that set them on a lasting trajectory with hope and purpose.

Happy New Year! As we enter 2026 , I pray you are experiencing the abounding peace and joy of the Lord. Each new day and new year brings a sense of new possibilities and fresh starts, and I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for SETBI/MCI  students and those we serve. This new year holds numerous opportunities to continue being part of what the Lord is doing, and it takes all of our officers, superintendents, teachers, professors, students leaders, donors, advocates, and more to make a lasting difference. I am honored to be a part of this pivotal time at SETBI. Our rich MCI history spans two decades and with SETBI a decade, incredible years defined by God’s unfailing love for every person touched by prison or jail. We celebrate what God has done and will continue to do. May 2026 be a year rich with purpose, fulfillment, and divine blessings. It is a privilege to walk this path alongside each of you.