Tarlac State University, through its College of Public Administration and Governance, strengthened its partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Tarlac (BJMP) through the signing of two memoranda of agreement that aim to provide education and adequate training opportunities on Wednesday, May 20, at the Tarlac City Jail Male Dormitory conference room in Baras-Baras, Tarlac City.
The two-year project, “From Custody to Community: Empowering Persons Deprived of Liberty through Governance Education,” focuses on assisting the BJMP and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the custody of the Tarlac City Jail Male Dormitory in developing and implementing plans and programs that would enhance their capabilities and promote personal growth.
With an allocation of forty (40) slots, qualified participants will undergo a series of assessments before they can be formally admitted to the Bachelor of Public Administration program.
In 2023, TSU and BJMP launched the “Hiraya: Isang Landas Pasulong” project for the female dormitory, which aimed to provide the same educational and developmental support. This partnership was reaffirmed through the renewal signing of the MOA, held alongside the launch of the new initiative, further strengthening the university’s commitment to inclusive and transformative education.
This initiative ranked 79th in the C6 – Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved category of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 rankings released earlier this May.
In his message, CPAG Dean Dr. Edwin T. Caoleng emphasized that the college remains steadfast in strengthening its commitment to ensure the sustainability of these projects.
“Kasi ang Public Ad po talaga, ang purpose namin, is to become a catalyst of change. We believe that through college education, we will be able to change the lives of people. Iyon po talaga ang aming pangako,” Dr. Caoleng added.
Moreover, TSU President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza shared that through this project, he hopes to redefine the meaning of PDL and continuously encourage individuals to persevere despite life’s challenges.
“We really need to motivate the people for them to strive for it… Hindi po kayo mga taong pinagkaitan. Kayo po ay mga taong may destiny. You are People Destined to Lead. Knowledge is [the] one thing no one can take away from you,” the president furthered.
In addition, Pres. Mendoza assured the PDLs and the entire BJMP Tarlac that TSU will always be present and willing to serve them with the utmost dignity and respect they deserve.
Meanwhile, JCSupt. Ma. Annie A. Espinosa, Regional Director of the Jail Bureau, expressed her gratitude to the university for its commitment and valuable contributions to the community and further hopes for the continued growth of the partnership.
“Through your existence and shared dedication to public service, you have meaningfully contributed to the realization of programs that promote education, personal development, and social reintegration,” she said.
Following the MOA signing, BJMP officials, together with TSU officials and CPAG faculty members, visited the dormitory to assess the condition of its facilities.
According to Dr. Izelle F. Gabion, Extension Head of CPAG, the project seeks to continue the initiatives initiated by TSU, CPAG, and BJMP, particularly in providing quality training programs, recreational activities, and various forms of assistance to PDLs.
