Naga jail offficials introduce eSkwela project to inmates

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) local jail in Brgy. Del Rosario here served as an instrument for 370 inmates to start realizing their dreams of pursuing education through community based e-learning centers dubbed "eSkwela Project."

Originally meant for Filipino out-of- school youths (OSYs) and adults, eSkwela has shifted its course when BJMP Naga City district jail warden Supt. Wilmor Plopinio offered the educational opportunity to inmates.

The project aims to serve as a venue for the prisoners to still learn the new skills and competencies even inside the prison walls.

“The eSwela is a flagship project of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) through its Human Capital Development Group (HCDG). This type of e-learning will prepare inmates once they are re-integrated in the community. I would also like to quote an Italian advocate who said that education, not punishment is the surest, although the most difficult means, of preventing crime,” Plopinio said.

Plopinio added that he is also hopeful that this endeavor will merit the eventual review for the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Exam of the Department of Education – Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS).

Once accredited, those takers can enroll in the formal school system once out of jail..

Aside from the eSkwela project, BJMP also continues to conduct a number of activities in line with their Inmates Welfare Development Program that includes the conduct of medical services.

Inside the BJMP, religious activities like bible study and counseling, holy mass, confession, and bible study are also being conducted regularly. Livelihood projects that include carpentry, tailoring, and auto mechanic are some of the opportunities being availed by the inmates inside the jail.

Plopinio believes that these endeavors are just some of the few chances that will help the inmates to regain their self confidence and realize that they can still be useful members of the society. (MAL/LSM-PIA 5, Camarines Sur)