Edukasyon para sa lahat!

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commends and warmly welcomes the first-ever in-person classes for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Manila City Jail, initiated by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (PUPOU).

Last July, PUP and Manila City Jail formalized an agreement to offer four bachelor’s programs to PDLs for free: Bachelor of Public Administration, BS Business Administration major in Marketing Management and in Human Resource Management, and BS Entrepreneurship.

Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

The Commission remains resolute in affirming that education is a fundamental right of all individuals, including PDLs and those in conflict with the law. We believe that true rehabilitation and reformation can only be achieved when society upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity for everyone, especially PDLs.

We recognize and commend the partnership between PUPOU and Manila City Jail for their initiative to provide free tertiary education to PDLs. This program represents a significant step towards ensuring that even those within our correctional system have access to opportunities for personal growth and development.

The Commission also hopes that more universities, higher education institutions, and correctional facilities across the country will emulate this commendable program. Such efforts not only foster the rehabilitation of PDLs but also strengthen the foundation of a society that values equality, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.

In line with our mantra, CHR ng Lahat—naglilingkod maging sino ka man, the Commission is steadfast in fulfilling its Constitutional mandate to protect the rights of all, including those in conflict with the law. Programs like this underscore a moral and social imperative to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where everyone is given the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to the community. ###