Programa Genio, the educational advocacy arm of the ABS-CBN Foundation, recently conducted a one-day training entitled Balancing Mind and Heart: Stress Management and turned over fifty (50) tablets for the Digital Empowerment of PDL ALS Assistant Teachers and Learners at the 
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The training was attended by 80 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who serve as assistant teachers in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), guiding fellow inmates in their educational journey.
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The training was attended by 80 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who serve as assistant teachers in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), guiding fellow inmates in their educational journey.
The training, held on January 30, 2025, aimed to equip the participants with knowledge of the effects of stress and practical ways to manage it, particularly about their role as educators. Recognizing that most PDL assistant teachers do not have formal teaching backgrounds, the session provided them with coping mechanisms to handle the pressures of teaching while dealing with personal challenges.
A key highlight of the program was the Building Bridges activity, where participants identified the challenges they face as PDL teachers and explored strategies to overcome them. Many shared that their resilience is strengthened by the collaborative support of the Bureau of Corrections, the Department of Education, and stakeholders like Programa Genio of the ABS-CBN Foundation.
The event also marked a significant milestone with the turnover of fifty (50) tablets donated to enhance digital literacy training for PDL teachers and learners. For many participants, this was their first experience with digital learning tools, making the donation particularly transformative. These tablets will be crucial in bridging educational gaps, providing access to digital resources, and improving teaching methodologies within the prison setting. The integration of technology into their learning process will not only enhance their teaching experience but also prepare them for reintegration into society with valuable digital skills.
Participants expressed deep gratitude for the training, recognizing it as a vital tool in managing their teaching-related stress. They also appreciated the donation of tablets, which they viewed as a symbol of hope and a tangible investment in their second chance at education and reintegration. This initiative not only empowered them as educators but also reinforced their sense of self-worth and potential for positive change within their community.