Education once again proved its power to transform lives as the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Office III formally launched the College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) Program on October 9, 2025, at the Cabanatuan City District Jail.

The program provides Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) an opportunity to pursue higher education and reshape their future through accessible and inclusive learning.

“Binibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong magsimula muli. Ang programang ito ay bunga ng paniniwala na ang bawat isa, saan man naroroon, ay may karapatang mag-aral at magbagong buhay. Nawa’y magsilbi ito bilang paalala sa ating lahat na habang may buhay, habang may pagnanais na matuto, laging may pag-asang magbago at magtagumpay,” said NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo, as she addressed the thirty (30) pioneering CEBB students during the ceremonial launch.

Signed in May 2025, the partnership between NEUST and BJMP Region III aims to ensure that education remains a vital instrument for rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration.

In her message, NEUST Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Feliciana Jacoba reaffirmed the university’s dedication to inclusive and transformative education through its collaboration with BJMP.

“Ang NEUST po ay kaakibat ng gobyerno sa pagbibigay ng kinabukasan sa pagbibigay ng maganda at dekalidad na edukasyon sa lahat ng nangangailangan—kasama po kayo doon. Nakasisisguro po kayo na ang ating programa ay magpapatuloy hanggang makita natin ang liwanag para sa inyong kinabukasan,” Dr. Jacoba said.

Meanwhile, BJMP Region III Jail Chief Superintendent Paulino H. Moreno, Jr. emphasized the program’s role in breaking stigma and building hope among PDLs.

“Ang araw na ito ay patunay na ang edukasyon ay walang hangganan. Hindi ito ikinukulong ng pader, hindi pinipigilan ng rehas, at higit sa lahat, hindi ito naaagaw mula sa sinumang handang magsikap at mag-aral. Itong bahay na ito ay pansamantala lamang, kaya’t habang nandito kayo, gawin nating kapaki-pakinabang ang oras ninyo dito,” he shared.

Two of the CEBB students also expressed their gratitude and renewed sense of purpose.

“Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa oportunidad na ito, sa responde ng NEUST. Talagang walang makakabatid sa plano ng Diyos para sa atin, patuloy tayong pinagkakalooban ng ating mga kailangan,” said one student representative.

He further encouraged his fellow students, saying, “Mga kasama, huwag po nating sayangin ang pagkakataon na ipinagkaloob ng BJMP at NEUST. Sa halip ay gamitin po natin ito upang paunlarin ang ating mga sarili at lagpasan kung anuman ang mga pagsubok na patuloy nating kinakaharap.”

Alongside the ceremonial launch of CEBB, NEUST and BJMP Region III also formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes collaborative programs for inclusive education, livelihood, and skills development for PDLs.

This agreement reinforces the implementation of Globalized Research-based Extension and Training through the Comprehensive Program for Empowerment and Development (GREAT-COPED) — a joint initiative aligned with BJMP’s mission to promote rehabilitation and public safety.

Joining Dr. Rhodora Jugo and Dr. Feliciana Jacoba were Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Jean Guillasper, Director for Curriculum Development and Evaluation Dr. Nancy Joy Mangansat, Dean of the College of Industrial Technology Prof. Mar Bulalayao, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Mario Abesamis Jr., Director of the Institute of Linguistics and Literature Dr. Rommel Espejo, Executive Secretary Dr. Alfredo Esteban Jr., and Director of the Extension Services Department Dr. Marivic Villegas, along with faculty members who embraced this unique challenge in the spirit of service and compassion.

From BJMP Region III, attendees included Jail Chief Superintendent Paulino Moreno Jr., Provincial Jail Administrator JSupt. Cristina Castillo, Welfare and Development Division Chief JCInsp. Darrel Grezula, Chief, Legal Service Section JSInsp. Atty. Kelvin Roy Domingo, Chief, Administrative Section JSInsp. Julius Alcaraz, Cabanatuan City District Male Dorm Warden JCInsp. Edwin Bulatao, Female Dorm Warden JInsp. Gloria Santos, Assistant Male Warden Atty. JSInsp. Daniel Sumedca, Guimba District Jail Warden JCInsp. Antonio Guiyab, Gapan City Jail Warden JCInsp. Lito Florentino, and Gapan City Jail–Female Dormitory Warden JSInsp. Marivic Milo, together with other jail officers.

Representing the City Government of Cabanatuan, Vice Mayor Joselito Roque also graced the event, commending NEUST and BJMP for their collaboration in advancing education and rehabilitation initiatives within the city.

This partnership underscores NEUST’s continuing mission to be a globally recognized institution championing sustainable societal development through ethical, skilled, and empowered human resources.

In her closing statement, Dr. Rhodora Jugo highlighted that the partnership embodies NEUST CEBB’s vision of breaking barriers to education and building bridges to society.

“Ang ganitong uri ng pagtutulungan ay hindi lamang nagbubukas ng mga silid-aralan, Kundi ng mga puso para sa pagbabago, pag-asa, at bagong simula. Buong-pusong ipinapangako ng Pamantasan na patuloy naming susuportahan at palalakasin ang CEBB program. Ipagpapatuloy naming ihatid ang edukasyong may malasakit, may puso, saysay, at tunay na nagbibigay pag-asa sa mga mag-aaral anumang hamon ang kanilang hinaharap.”

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