A TOTAL of 57 persons deprived of liberty at the New Bilibid Prison Minimum Security Camp had their first graduation and second moving-up ceremony.

Some 37 of them were from the Elementary Level while 20 came from the Alternative Learning System-Basic Literacy Program.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla highly recognized the unwavering efforts of Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. in giving importance to education and learning of PDLs.

“Your perseverance and resilience despite the challenges and struggles behind bars to acquire precious wisdom is a testament that your past can never describe who you are. Today, you emerged victorious in one of the most important battles in life –the Fight for Proper Education. You now have the power in your hands to rewrite your own destinies,” Remulla told the PDL graduates.

“The efforts of Gen. Catapang in administering the Bureau of Corrections is very commendable, keep up the good work and continue being a beacon of hope for our reforming PDLs, continue to make a difference,” the Secretary said.

The education of PDLs is part of BuCor’s Reformation Program.