Written by: Ms. Shaira Jane S. Ongyod- UBHS Faculty
From commitment to action, the partnership between the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Cordillera Administrative Region (BJMP-CAR) has begun bringing education, hope, and opportunities for transformation to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Following the signing of their Memorandum of Agreement in February 2026, the two institutions launched a series of outreach initiatives with the theme: Reaching Beyond Border: A Journey of Hope, Growth, and Transformation in Baguio City and Benguet, with plans to expand their services to correctional facilities across the Cordillera Administrative Region.
UBHS-BJMP Partnership Launches Outreach Programs
The first major initiative under the partnership was conducted on May 4, 2026, through a donation drive and courtesy visit to the La Trinidad Municipal Jail, La Trinidad District Jail Male Dormitory, La Trinidad District Jail Female Dormitory, Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory, and Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory. The activity also introduced the UBHS–BJMP partnership and presented the University’s plans to provide future educational, psychosocial, and community extension programs for PDLs.
During the activity, 85 hygiene kits, each containing a yellow T-shirt and a bath towel, were distributed to 85 PDLs in the La Trinidad tri-jails. In addition, 28 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learning kits and the first batch of 90 books from the University of Baguio Library were also turned over.
In addition, 18 ALS learning kits were donated to the Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory and 9 ALS learning kits to the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory as part of its total donation of 55 ALS learning kits donated by UB Finance Department. Six UBHS faculty members and 2 representatives from Accounting Office served as representatives in giving the donations on the said date.
Building on the success of the initial outreach, UBHS and BJMP-CAR extended the partnership to the Buguias District Jail in Bangao, Buguias, Benguet on June 25, 2026. The activity brought together 10 BJMP personnel, 72 PDLs, including 10 ALS learners, six UBHS faculty members, and one invited resource speaker. The following donations were given: 72 hygiene kits with yellow longsleeves and bath towels; canned goods and noodles, slippers, and 90 books. The program featured a Handicrafts Seminar facilitated by Ms. Maria Criselda Teodoro-Lopez, owner of Aramidua Handmade Crafts, who introduced participants to additional handicraft products that could complement their existing livelihood skills.
Recognizing that many PDLs already possess craftsmanship experience, she focused on expanding their product ideas while discussing product development, branding, pricing, and marketing strategies to help transform handcrafted items into sustainable and profitable livelihood opportunities. She also emphasized the unique value of handcrafted products, highlighting the creativity, authenticity, and personal stories behind each piece that distinguish them from machine-made goods.
The afternoon session featured a Mental Health Seminar was facilitated by UBHS faculty members which focused on emotional well-being, resilience, stress management, and healthy coping strategies. Through interactive discussions and the development of personal self-care plans, participants reflected on their strengths, explored healthy ways of managing life’s challenges, and recognized the importance of mental wellness in preparing for successful reintegration into society.
These donations were made possible through the generosity of UBHS students, parents, alumni, faculty members, staff, and external donors, whose monetary and in-kind contributions embodied the University’s culture of volunteerism and social responsibility. During the turnover ceremony, Dr. Violeta F. Apiles, Principal of the University of Baguio High School, emphasized that the faculty members personally delivering the donations were merely messengers and representatives of the many stakeholders who willingly shared their blessings. She reminded the recipients that every donation reflected the compassion, generosity, and collective commitment of the entire UBHS community toward supporting the rehabilitation, education, and well-being of PDLs.
From the signing of the MOA in February 2026 to the outreach initiatives in La Trinidad, Baguio City, and Buguias, the partnership between UBHS and BJMP-CAR continues to demonstrate the transformative power of education, compassion, and collaboration. As the initiative expands to more correctional facilities across the Cordillera, it remains committed to creating opportunities for learning, rehabilitation, and personal growth—affirming that hope can flourish when communities work together to serve those beyond society’s walls.
Through the sustained efforts of the University of Baguio High School (UBHS), the partnership continues to advance the University of Baguio’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing education, promoting health and well-being, and fostering meaningful collaborations, the initiative directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while also contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by creating opportunities for the rehabilitation, empowerment, and successful reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) into society.
Note that for confidentiality purposes, the faces of the PDL are covered.
