At least 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Romblon District Jail have begun training on photovoltaic (PV) system installation, a program designed to equip them with valuable technical skills for future employment.
The free training, facilitated by local trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Romblon National Institute of Technology (RNIT), covers site assessment, solar PV system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
According to BJMP MIMAROPA Regional Information Officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, the hands-on approach not only strengthens the technical expertise of PDLs but also aligns with the BJMP’s mission of rehabilitation and workforce development.
“This hands-on approach not only strengthens their technical expertise but also reinforces BJMP’s commitment to developing a skilled, future-ready workforce while supporting national goals on energy efficiency and renewable energy,” Anglo stated.
The solar PV system installation training is conducted inside the jail facility and includes 311 hours of instruction, allowing participants to earn a national certificate as solar technicians upon completion.
BJMP-Romblon Acting District Warden Jail Inspector Fatima Rabino emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “We look forward to scaling this partnership further—not just to reduce electricity costs but also to inspire PDLs to become part of the green jobs sector and the growing renewable energy movement.”
Meanwhile, TESDA sees this initiative as a significant step toward adopting sustainable energy practices, aligning with the ongoing efforts of RNIT to integrate renewable energy solutions into its education and skills development programs.