Behind Bars, Beyond Limits: 43 PDLs Graduate Through Arnold Janssen ALS at BJMP Dasmariñas

📅 July 15, 2025 | Dasmariñas City, Cavite

In a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and faith, 43 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) graduated through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) on July 15, 2025, inside the BJMP Dasmariñas City Jail. The program was implemented by the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation for Alternative Learning System Education (AJ ALS), in partnership with the City Government of Dasmariñas and the Department of Education.

Sir Gene Domingo (center), AJ ALS learning facilitator of BJMP Dasmarinas, with BJMP officials and Fr. Randy, SVD

The ceremony marked a milestone not only in the lives of the PDLs but in the ongoing mission of inclusive education. Among the graduates were:

• 👩‍🎓 10 Female Learners: 6 from the elementary level (including 1 from the DSWD Home for Girls) and 4 from junior high school.

• 👨‍🎓 33 Male Learners: 15 elementary graduates and 18 junior high school completers.

The event was graced by Vice Mayor Hon. Third Barzaga, who served as the guest speaker, delivering an uplifting message that reaffirmed the city’s strong support for ALS and restorative justice. AJ ALS teacher Sir Gene Domingo, who led the tutoring program and acted as emcee, was praised for his dedication and spiritual mentorship.

A baccalaureate Mass preceded the graduation rites, presided over by Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, Acting Executive Director of AJ ALS, along with Fr. Judy Bañez, SVD, Program Director. The presence of the Divine Word Missionaries was especially meaningful, as the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) celebrates its 150th Jubilee this year.

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was when the graduates, with sincerity and unity, recited from memory the Tagalog version of the Prayer of St. Arnold Janssen, their spiritual patron:

"May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the word and the spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all."

This heartfelt moment, guided by their AJ ALS mentor, reflected a deep spiritual formation that went hand-in-hand with academic instruction — proof that even behind bars, hearts and minds can be free.

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A Multi-Sectoral Partnership for Change

BJMP officials and Fr. Randy, SVD (AJ ALS) with Vice Mayor Third Barzaga (Hon. Elpidio Barzaga, III)

The success of the program was made possible through the joint efforts of many individuals and agencies, including:

🏛️

Local Government & City Officials

• KGG. Kiko Barzaga – District Representative, Cavite 4th District

• KGG. Jennifer Austria Barzaga – City Mayor

• Hon. Azlie S. Guro – City Councilor

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DepEd – City of Dasmariñas

• Bb. Ruby M. Barrion – Executive Assistant V, DC-ALS

• G. Elias A. Alicaya Jr. – SSDS

• Bb. Marites O. Manicio – ALS Focal Person

• Bb. Serma P. Hernandez & Bb. Francesca C. Fadri – EPSA II

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BJMP Dasmariñas

• JSupt. Jerome Y. Soriano – Male Warden

• JCInsp. Jessela L. Tariman – Female Warden

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Social Welfare Institutions

• G. Joven E. Dicen – CSWD Head, Bahay Pag-asa

• Bb. Rhodora Sajor – Center Head, Bahay Tuluyan ng mga Bata

• 📌 Special mention: 1 graduate came from the DSWD Home for Girls

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Faith and Academic Partners

• Fr. Joselito Salvador – Parish Priest, Hesus Nazareno Parish

• Bb. Divina G. Oliveros – Principal, Our Mother of Perpetual Help (JESOMA)

• G. Jimmy Joven – ALS Coordinator, Holy Family

This graduation at BJMP Dasmariñas is more than a recognition of academic achievement—it is a celebration of human dignity, faith, and the belief that every person deserves a second chance.

One warden shared with a smile: 💬 “They were more afraid of taking the A&E test than the drug test.”

That’s how much this chance at education meant to them.