3rd Conference on Transformative Education in Penal Institutions

To reflect on the transformative power of education combined with rehabilitation for the country’s prison community, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and the Social Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Business Institute (SETBI) jointly hosted the 3rd International Conference on Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)’s Transformative Education for Successful Re-entry on October 9-11, 2024, at the USeP Obrero Campus, Davao City. 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 from different parts of the country and abroad, to deliberate on the topics, issues, and ideas most relevant to higher education in the prison community; thus, invigorating political conversations in the field. USeP Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Roger C. Montepio opened the conference while SETBI President Dr. Aland D. Mizell and USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. 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. Moreover, both underscored that education must be afforded to all people for the society to function at its best and that it is a shared responsibility.

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 in their respective fields to restore human dignity and hope for a second chance for the incarcerated. The conference also featured life-changing testimonies of successful former PDL. They shared how a new faith in God, themselves, their relationships, and their abilities had a transformative effect and facilitated re-entry into society.

Moreover, scholars shared their experiences and findings of their studies on prison-based education and programs as well as their role in reducing recidivism.

In her closing statement, SETBI Vice President Atty. Susan P. Cariaga reminded the attendees that on a larger scope these types of programs for prison communities is a movement- that “has been gaining momentum but the momentum is not there yet”and invited the attendees to continue their fruitful endeavors.

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