The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) District Jail in La Trinidad became a center of empowerment and learning as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) participated in a three-day Hair Curling and Hair Braiding Training and Yogurt Making Training from October 14โ16, 2025. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Benguet and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Benguet.
A total of 35 participants joined the training comprising 14 BJMP personnel and 21 PDLs, aimed to equip PDLs with practical skills that can help them rebuild their lives after release. By learning livelihood-ready competencies in both beauty care and food processing, participants gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience that can serve as a foundation for self-employment and reintegration into society.
While the training primarily targeted female participants, several male PDLs and BJMP personnel also joined the sessions, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for personal growth and skills development.
During the closing ceremony, Christine M. Oliquiano, Supervising TESD Specialist, expressed TESDAโs appreciation for its continued collaboration with BJMP. She underscored TESDAโs commitment to delivering inclusive and meaningful training opportunities that promote rehabilitation through education and skills empowerment.
Also in attendance was Vice Governor Marie Rose T. Fongwan-Kepes, who extended support by providing materials and supplies for the training. In her message, she reaffirmed the provincial governmentโs commitment to sustaining similar programs, emphasizing that the PLGU-Benguet remains open to future collaborations that promote livelihood and rehabilitation.
The event concluded with an emotional moment when a soon-to-be-released PDL shared her gratitude for the opportunity to learn. Fighting back tears, she said, โI am thankful for what I learned here. I will continue this outside, not just for myself but for my daughter,โ she mentioned.
Through initiatives like these, TESDA and its partners continue to prove that rehabilitation goes beyond confinement; it is about empowerment, learning, and second chances.
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