Reflecting on the transformative power of education and rehabilitation for prison community

The Social Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Business Institute (SETBI) and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) jointly hosted the 3rd International Conference on Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)’s Transformative Education for Successful Re-entry on October 9-11, 2024. With the theme, “Beyond Barriers: Reconnect and Rebuild,” the conference gathered educators, administrators, students, practitioners, non-government organizations (NGOs), lawmakers, law enforcers, wardens, and business leaders to deliberate on the topics relevant to higher education in the prison community. SETBI President, Dr. Aland D. Mizell, and USeP President, Dr. Bonifacio G. GabalesJr., gave powerful messages contending that higher education coupled with values formation serves as a significant step in reducing the stigma of incarceration and in preparing for re-entry.

Adding to the importance of the conference, the keynote speakers, Associate Professor and Emerson Prison Initiative founder and director, Dr. Mnessha Gellman; Director of Correctional Education of the United States Department of Education, Atty. Sean Addie; and Commission on Higher Education Chair, Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III; spoke respectively on the tertiary education for the incarcerated in the US and the commitment for new initiatives and incentives in the Philippines. Administrators from USeP, Davao del Norte State College, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Board also shared programs, policies, initiatives, advocacies, and unique strategies from their respective fields, aiming to restore human dignity and hope for a second chance for the incarcerated. The conference also featured successful former PDL who gave their testimonies of life-changing experiences in College Education Behind Bars. They shared how a new faith in God, themselves, their relationships, and their abilities had a transformative effect and facilitated re-entry into

society.

Scholars in the field presented their experiences and findings of their studies on prison-based education and programs as well as their role in reducing recidivism.

Site visits of the campuses at Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) and the Davao City Jail officially wrapped up the international conference.