CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) has achieved a 99 percent accomplishment rate in rehabilitation programs for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Central Luzon.
During the 14th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, PPA Regional Director Marissa Alquetra emphasized the agency’s commitment to providing second chances to PDLs in the region.
She explained that PPA provides probation for those sentenced to six years or less and parole for those who have served their minimum sentence, allowing them to complete their sentence within the community under supervision.
However, Alquetra noted that before release, the agency conducts thorough investigations to assess each individual’s legal qualifications and suitability for reintegration into the community.
“And if they are qualified for probation or parole, they are placed under supervision,” she added.
During the supervision, PPA provides multipronged programs, including the Therapeutic Community, which focuses on individual reformation; Restorative Justice, which aims for reconciliation between offenders and victims; and a Volunteerism Program, which recruits volunteers to assist with rehabilitation efforts.
Moreover, Alquetra highlighted the agency’s income-generating projects in partnership with other government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Agriculture.
She said these projects offer training and startup support to help former PDLs find employment or livelihood opportunities and reintegrate into society.
“Many have been provided with food carts, some have been trained for clerical jobs and are now employed, and others have received training for online jobs and farming,” Alquetra shared.
These initiatives underscore PPA’s dedication to rehabilitating and reintegrating PDLs into society, contributing to a safer and more inclusive Central Luzon. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
