The University of Batangas (UB) College of Education (CEDU) held a Christmas Outreach Program on December 16, 2024, for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at the Batangas Provincial Jail in Barangay Cuta, spreading the spirit of compassion, hope, and the transformative power of education.
The activity aimed to celebrate the Christmas season while supporting the educational journey of ALS learners pursuing their studies behind bars. The program opened with a message from the ALS coordinator, followed by an inspirational address from the CEDU Dean, who emphasized education as both a tool for personal growth and a symbol of hope for a renewed future.
A highlight of the event was the distribution of educational gift packages containing clear books and pencils to help learners prepare their portfolios for the year-end assessment. The gesture not only symbolized generosity but also provided tangible support for the participants’ continuing education.
The outreach was made possible through the collaboration of ALS mobile teachers, jail officers, and the UB community, with active participation from CEDU employees, faculty members, and the Community Extension Services (CES) office. Members of the university also extended their generosity as donors of the learning materials.
Among those in attendance were Edward Babasa, Judith Asistin, Johnrey Banlasan, Victoria Fababier, Miraflor Gutierrez, Kristine Herrera, El Nazareno Lanorte, Efsica Maranan, Ramil Marquez, Raven Mendoza, Angela Napa, Jacqueline Ocampo, Merly Panaligan, Rodel Panaligan, and Romell Ramos.
The program concluded with reflections from teachers and volunteers, who shared messages of gratitude and hope, underscoring the deeper meaning of giving and compassion during the Christmas season.
Through this initiative, the CEDU Christmas Outreach for ALS Learners affirmed that hope and learning can flourish even within confinement—echoing the University of Batangas’ mission to extend education, kindness, and community service beyond the classroom.