SLSU–Extension Services Hosts BJMP for Courtesy Visit to Strengthen Rehabilitation and Extension Programs
The Faculty of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Extension Services (ES) of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) welcomed representatives from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for a courtesy visit held on March 5, 2026, at the RIES Conference Room, RIES Building, SLSU Main Campus.
The activity aimed to strengthen the partnership between SLSU and BJMP in promoting rehabilitation, education, and reintegration opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). The meeting also served as a platform to discuss potential collaborative programs that SLSU can extend to local jail facilities.
Engr. Jonelle H. Tablada, delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the university’s commitment to community engagement and meaningful partnerships with government institutions. An inspirational message was delivered by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Sustainability (RIES), who underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing impactful and sustainable extension initiatives.
During the meeting, the BJMP representatives presented their proposed programs and initiatives aligned with their mission of building a safer nation through effective jail management and rehabilitation services.
The discussion focused on possible collaborative projects such as literacy initiatives, skills and vocational training, livelihood development programs, and psychological wellness activities designed to help prepare Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) for successful reintegration into society. In response, representatives from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Criminal Justice, and a faculty representative from the Faculty of Industrial and Technology Management of SLSU also presented potential extension activities that the university could offer to support BJMP’s rehabilitation efforts. These included literacy and numeracy enhancement programs, values formation and life-skills development sessions, mental health and psychosocial support activities, as well as seminars on legal awareness, crime prevention, and restorative justice. The faculties also proposed livelihood and skills development training, communication and personal development workshops, and community reintegration preparedness programs aimed at equipping PDLs with practical knowledge, confidence, and productive skills for life after incarceration.
BJMP highlighted that confinement should not be a period of stagnation but rather an opportunity for development and transformation. Through collaboration with academic institutions like SLSU, they hope to empower PDLs with knowledge, skills, and values that will support their rehabilitation and personal growth.
Engr. Jonelle H. Tablada, Director of Extension Services, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the BJMP representatives for initiating the collaboration and reaffirming SLSU’s dedication to extending its expertise and resources to support community rehabilitation programs.
The courtesy visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership between SLSU and BJMP, paving the way for impactful extension programs that contribute to restorative justice, education, and social transformation.
