Success behind bars: 3 PDLs pass Civil Service Exams

CEBU, Philippines — After successfully passing the Civil Service Examination, 36-year-old Jhy called her mom to give the good news, which to some may not be that much. But having done it behind bars while serving time is a feat not all in the same circumstance as her is able to achieve.

Jhy is one out of three persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Cebu City Jail Female Dormitory of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-7 who passed the Civil Service Examination held last August 11, 2024.

This as the results by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) conducted across the country in August was released last Tuesday.

Passing the CSE is necessary for anyone seeking to pursue a career in government service.

Of the 744 PDLs inside the female dormitory, 31 were able to take the examination at the Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. VII Bldg. in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

Jhy, who has been inside the facility for two years and four months, shared how she saw the Civil Service Examination as an opportunity, or what she calls reformation to learn, grow, and reshape their futures.

Dako kaayo siyag tabang kay bisan naa mi diri, wala mi gi-discriminate gitagaan pa noon mig chance para ig laya namo puhon naa mi madala, Jhy said with a smile on her face when interviewed by The Freeman.

Ngano mauwaw man ko nga ma priso ko nga daghan man kog nakat-onan sa prisohan og mao ni naa koy na achieve while naa ko sa prisohan,  Jhy proudly said.

Jhy said she hopes her achievement would serve as a message to her fellow inmates on the opportunity to change as she believes that transformation is always within reach.

Another PDL passer, Jess, echoed this sentiment, noting how rare it is for individuals in their position to receive such opportunities.

As a mother of three and the third of six siblings, Jess dedicated over a month to reviewing for the exam within the walls of the female dormitory.

Dako jud og natabang ang BJMP kay nag provide silag reviewers, naa pajuy pamphlets para sa mga Constitutions. So murag complete najud mi ato sa training, full pack nasad jud ba, said Jess.

With a trembling voice, Jess shared to The Freeman how her journey is a sign of redemption.  Bisan pa diay og naa ko diring dapita. Bisan pag deprived, bisan nakasala ko, nakabuhat kog sayop sa laya na redeem nako akong self, nga naa pa diay koy kayang buhaton.

On the other hand, Jhy and Jess, who both violated Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, understand the societal stigma attached to their status and they acknowledge the weight of their past.

But both of them assured that when they’re released, they will make use of their eligibility to find jobs.

The paralegal unit of the facility, led by JO3 Jonalyn Canoy, said this initiative started after they observed that many individuals enter the facility abruptly, and often without the necessary qualifications for employment upon release.

Because outside when they are released they end up finding another job pero cannot be chosen or employed because other than that lack of education. Naa say uban naa ray education pero wala pay eligibility, said Canoy.

Recognizing these challenges, the paralegal unit proposed an initiative to provide PDLs with the opportunity to gain eligibility through examinations.

The collaboration with the CSC has been pivotal in determining the qualifications required for inmates to take eligibility exams with an objective to help PDLs after release to have credentials and secure jobs.

Also, the paralegal unit sought assistance from the warden and other personnel who are willing to volunteer their time to help review the inmates' applications and prepare them for the examinations.

We gathered personnel nga pwede makahelp nila to review. We gather those personnel in their extra time to review the PDLs, said Canoy.

Canoy further hopes that more PDLs will be inspired to participate and utilize the skills and knowledge gained during their time in the facility.

Being here in prison is not a hindrance as to who they want to become. Maybe its just a challenge or under life s trials, she added. — /ATO (FREEMAN)