Empowering Second Chances: Programa Genio’s Impact on Persons Deprived of Liberty
We often hear, “Everyone deserves a second chance,” but its true meaning becomes more apparent when we consider those whom society often deems unworthy of forgiveness. This is particularly evident in Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), individuals abandoned by their families, forgotten by society, and cast aside by their children. Yet, what we must never overlook is that each of us can cope with, learn from, and grow through our mistakes. And when given the right tools and support, everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives, regardless of their past.
A beacon of hope shines through education at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Davao City Jail. Within these walls, inmates are offered an invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and transform through the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The school inside the jail serves not just as a classroom but as a lifeline—offering PDLs the chance to build discipline, acquire new skills, and prepare for reintegration into society. Some of the inmates, once teachers outside the bars, have even become volunteers themselves, now helping educate their peers and nurturing hope among those who need it most.
On February 6, 2025, the ABS-CBN Foundation Programa Genio made a remarkable contribution to the lives of these learners by turning over essential equipment to the PDLs at Davao City Jail Male Dormitory. This donation includes tools for handicraft and twine bag making, non-sag epoxy products, sewing materials, toiletries, school supplies, and even McDonald’s Happy Meal toys for PDLs enrolled in ALS and their children. Tablets were also provided to help support their studies for the current school year. These contributions are more than just physical items—they represent the power of education to equip individuals with technical, creative, and entrepreneurial skills that will empower them long after their time behind bars.
The impact of this initiative is tangible. Davao City Jail is currently home to 550 ALS learners, with 280 graduates and 157 A&E (Accreditation and Equivalency) takers as of the 2023-2024 school year. However, the true power of this program lies in its ability to create long-lasting change: These individuals are not only gaining knowledge and skills but are also being given the opportunity to rebuild their lives and rejoin their communities as productive, empowered citizens.
With programs like these, we begin to see how the power of second chances can transform not only the lives of the PDLs but also the futures of their families and communities. The donation from ABS-CBN Foundation Programa Genio provides a vital lifeline that will continue to nurture and support these learners, ensuring they can build brighter futures, one step at a time.
But this is just the beginning. The success of the ALS program at Davao City Jail—and in other institutions like it—relies on the continued support of generous partners like the BPI Foundation. Your contribution can help Programa Genio expand its efforts, touching more lives, providing more tools, and offering more opportunities for growth and reintegration. Together, we can offer more PDLs the chance to rebuild their lives, foster their skills, and give them a chance to be active, positive members of society once again.
This is more than just charity. It’s an investment in the potential of human beings who, given the right resources, will rise above their past and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. By supporting this initiative, you’re not just providing a second chance to an individual—you’re contributing to the transformation of entire communities, shaping brighter, more hopeful futures for everyone involved.
Join us in making a lasting difference. Together, we can empower individuals to embrace second chances, break the cycle of stigma and judgment, and help shape a society where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
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