Written by: Dr. Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan
The University of Baguio’s School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety is honored as a Partner in Service by the BJMP for its sustained efforts in rehabilitation, education, and human rights advocacy for Persons Deprived of Liberty.
BAGUIO CITY – In celebration of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) held on October 23, 2025, the Baguio City Jail – Male Dormitory (BCJ-MD), under the leadership of JCINSP John Wayland M. Lapon, recognized its institutional partners for their unwavering commitment to the rehabilitation and development of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Among the honorees was the University of Baguio (UB) – School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS), a long-standing ally of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) under the leadership of Dean Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud-ayen. The recognition was received on behalf of the university by Dr. Filibert Patrick F. Tad-awan and Mr. Immanuel Jesus Fernandez.
The partnership between UB–SCJPS and the BJMP has spanned several years, founded on a shared mission to advance correctional education, research collaboration, and humane rehabilitation for PDLs. This alliance continues to strengthen the connection between academic learning and practical correctional service, bridging education, justice, and social reintegration.
Since the establishment of this partnership, both PDLs and correctional personnel have greatly benefited from a range of joint programs initiated by the University of Baguio and the BJMP. These include literacy classes, paralegal orientation sessions, psychosocial development workshops, and restorative justice forums, all designed to promote holistic rehabilitation and personal growth among PDLs.
One of the most notable milestones of this collaboration is the Literacy and Educational Support Program, which has significantly enhanced PDLs’ reading, writing, and critical thinking skills—empowering them toward rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Faculty members, students, and alumni volunteers from UB have also conducted research-based assessments and community outreach initiatives that focus on improving the correctional environment and promoting mental health within the facility.
Beyond its impact on the incarcerated, this partnership also offers experiential learning opportunities for UB students, particularly those in Criminology and Forensic Science. Through these programs, students gain a deeper understanding of restorative justice while cultivating empathy, compassion, and social awareness—core values that shape future public servants and justice professionals.
The ongoing collaboration between SCJPS and BJMP continues to thrive through several innovative and community-centered initiatives, including:
- Correctional Literacy and Life Skills Training, where faculty and students facilitate educational sessions for PDLs.
- Community Outreach and Psychological First Aid, designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience among PDLs.
- Internship and Research Opportunities, enabling UB students to gain firsthand experience in correctional administration and rehabilitation.
- Joint Celebrations and Volunteer Activities, particularly during the annual National Correctional Consciousness Week and other community engagement events.
These initiatives underscore the University of Baguio’s strong commitment to social transformation, where classroom learning is meaningfully connected to service, compassion, and human dignity.
The UB–SCJPS and BJMP partnership also contributes directly to the realization of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education – By offering literacy and life skills programs to PDLs, the initiative fosters inclusive and equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Through correctional education and restorative justice practices, the partnership promotes fairness, rehabilitation, and the protection of human rights within the criminal justice system.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – This collaboration exemplifies the power of multi-sectoral cooperation, uniting government institutions, academia, and the community toward shared goals of justice and transformation.
Together, these efforts translate global aspirations into local action, advancing peace, education, and sustainable rehabilitation within correctional settings.
The University of Baguio – School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety expresses its deep appreciation for being recognized as a Partner in Service by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. This honor reaffirms the university’s enduring commitment to education, compassion, and public service.
Looking ahead, UB–SCJPS and BJMP aim to expand their collaborative initiatives—enhancing digital literacy programs for PDLs and developing research-based rehabilitation projects that further strengthen correctional education in the Philippines.
As both institutions move forward, the University of Baguio remains steadfast in its mission to build safer, more humane, and empowered communities, where education continues to be a catalyst for transformation, justice, and hope.
