MANAGEMENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS BEHIND BARS

Every person has the right to education even for one who finds himself in conflict with the law. Thus, convicted offenders can continue their schooling while undergoing rehabilitation in prison and eventual reintegration to their families and communities upon discharge from incarceration. Correctional education is one of the biggest opportunities afforded for Filipino inmate students. This research was prepared with the end view of analyzing the education program offered to inmates of the medium risk security camp of the national penitentiary, the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila. Also, it will help fill in the research gap as to how education can provide the coping mechanism for inmates when they rejoin the mainstream of society as ex-offenders or the more common term used, as ex-convicts. The analysis will delve on the following indicators: program objectives, curriculum, faculty roster, inmate students, graduates, facilities and equipment, other services and lastly, financial support. The research will likewise assess how the correctional education program can reorient and transform the highly regimented life of inmates in prison into a new learning experience at the same time equip them upon their release. It may also be used by authorities to reassess the current correctional education program and its implementation. They can review policies and design the program to suit the needs of the inmates and the changing times. Thus, more concern and funding for the program’s development and eventual expansion may be expected in the future.