SLSU conducts ReNEW outreach for women at BJMP-Sogod District Jail
SOGOD, Southern Leyte — Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) conducted a community outreach activity titled ReNEW: Recognizing, Nurturing, and Empowering Women at the BJMP-Sogod District Jail on March 25, 2026, primarily benefiting women persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), alongside selected male PDLs and jail personnel.
The initiative was led by the university’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences under its extension program, Project HOPE (Harnessing Opportunities for PDL Empowerment), in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as part of the 2026 Women’s Month celebration.
Anchored on women empowerment, the outreach featured an awareness symposium titled “Gender Parity for a Renewed Life,” delivered by Dr. Shefferd Bib S. Bernales, Proponent and Community Outreach Activity Leader. The session highlighted gender equality, women’s rights, and the importance of gender-sensitive perspectives in fostering a more inclusive and rehabilitative correctional environment. Both male and female participants attended the symposium.
Wellness services such as Zumba sessions, haircuts, manicures, and pedicures were primarily provided to women PDLs, aiming to enhance their well-being, boost self-confidence, and affirm their dignity. Selected male PDLs also benefited from some of the services.
Dr. Bernales emphasized that the program integrates knowledge-sharing and psychosocial support to contribute to holistic rehabilitation.
“The activity highlights the need to empower women, especially those in vulnerable situations, while also engaging the broader community in understanding gender equality,” he said.
At least 11 women PDLs and BJMP personnel directly received wellness services, forming the core beneficiaries of the program, while the symposium engaged a wider group of participants, including selected male PDLs and BJMP personnel.
The activity aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The outreach was supported by co-proponents from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, namely Dr. Ruda P. Palen, Allan Abiera, Andres A. Hinayas, Carlou A. Ampo, Dr. Flordeliza E. Vitor, Dr. Eda J. Opina, Rey G. Comabig, Roselleto L. Cadavos, Dr. Synamar P. Yuag, Geraldine M. Abella, Carlo T. Trasmonte, Arcelis V. Serano, and Lourd Ive M. Visbal.
University officials emphasized that the outreach strengthens the partnership between SLSU and BJMP while advancing inclusive and gender-responsive initiatives.
The activity concluded with the donation of food supplies to the PDLs, further extending support to their daily needs and reinforcing the university’s commitment to service.
An evaluation and documentation process followed to assess the program’s impact and guide future outreach initiatives.
Through ReNEW, SLSU continues to advance its extension mandate by delivering transformative programs that prioritize women empowerment while fostering inclusive community development.