The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol officially launched the Regional Orientation and Training of ALS Learning Facilitators from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on the ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), reinforcing the region’s commitment to inclusive and rehabilitative education.

Held from July 28 to August 1, 2025, the training aims to orient and equip BJMP personnel with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively implement the Alternative Learning System (ALS) within custodial centers across the Bicol Region. The initiative is led by the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) of DepEd Region V.

The opening day was attended by BJMP Regional Director JSSupt. Elena B. Rocamora, DepEd ALS OIC Jeremy A. Cruz, and other key officials from both agencies. JSSupt. Rocamora expressed her appreciation for DepEd’s unwavering support in providing educational opportunities to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), emphasizing ALS as a vital tool for rehabilitation and personal growth.

“Through this partnership, we are not only fulfilling our mandate to ensure the welfare of persons deprived of liberty, but we are also giving them a renewed sense of purpose and dignity through education,” Director Rocamora said.

The training sessions included presentations on the legal foundations of the DepEd-BJMP partnership by Retired Education Program Supervisor for ALS Mr. Ricardo Tejeresas, and a walkthrough of the ALS K to 12 BEC. The BJMP Literacy Program “Tagapangalaga Ko; Guro Ko” was also featured, presented by JCInsp Remedios N. Remedios, showcasing the evolving role of jail officers as educators.

DepEd Bicol Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad acknowledged the strong collaboration between DepEd and BJMP, noting that the training marks another milestone for the Bicol Region. He emphasized the region’s leadership in ALS implementation, having been one of the pilot areas for the program’s rollout nationwide.

The training also reaffirmed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DepEd and BJMP, which formalizes their partnership in implementing ALS programs inside jail facilities. This agreement ensures that PDLs have access to quality basic education through structured learning interventions facilitated by trained BJMP personnel.

As the training continues, participants are expected to deepen their understanding of ALS learning strands, instructional strategies, and curriculum contextualization, ensuring that education remains accessible, relevant, and transformative for all learners, especially those within custodial care.