By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
ASINGAN, Pangasinan — Two persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have successfully graduated from Pangasinan State University (PSU) through its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
The graduates earned their Bachelor of Industrial Technology degrees, majoring in Electrical Technology and Electrical Communication Technology, at the PSU-Asingan Campus.
Accompanied by personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Urdaneta City, the two PDLs proudly received their diplomas during the commencement ceremony held on August 14.
For years, BJMP’s educational initiatives focused primarily on Alternative Learning System (ALS) and TESDA programs. But due to the collaborative efforts of PSU-Asingan and BJMP-Urdaneta, the scope has now expanded to include college-level opportunities for PDLs.
“Every individual, regardless of circumstances, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” said Dr. Elbert M. Galas, PSU president.
One of the graduates, identified only as Robert, described the experience as transformative.
”I realized that getting a degree is never too late. No matter what your status in life, you can still finish your studies, kailangan lang mahanap ang tamang mga tao na tutulong sayo,” he shared.
This milestone was made possible through the dedication of Jail Warden Randy A. Batay-an, JO3 Maria Rhealyn Parayno, and Dr. Analyn Diola, ETEEAP focal person at PSU-Asingan.
A PSU official emphasized that education can open doors—even behind bars—proving that with determination, support, and opportunity, change is always within reach.
