Upholding its commitment to inclusive, transformative, and quality education, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) continues to break barriers through its pioneering College Education Behind Bars (CEBB): Pathways to Freedom and Liberation program, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office V (BJMP-ROV).
The program was officially launched through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held last May 28, 2025 at the SorSU Boardroom, Sorsogon City Campus. Anchored on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 – Quality Education and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, the CBB program aims to provide Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) access to higher education, beginning with the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship degree offering.
As a concrete step toward implementation, SorSU administered the university admission test for CEBB applicants on July 24, 2025, specifically for the BS in Entrepreneurship program for Academic Year 2025–2026. A total of 39 PDLs took the entrance examination: 21 from the Sorsogon City District Jail (SCDJ) and 18 from the Irosin District Jail (IDJ).
The test was conducted at the Sorsogon City District Jail AVR under secure, standardized conditions. It was administered by Ms. Loriean G. Grantos, SorSU psychometrician, with Ms. Annebel C. Hernandez serving as proctor. Also present during the activity were Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (VP for Academic Affairs), and BJMP personnel: JINSP Arnold S. Lasam (Assistant District Jail Warden), JO3 Mary Ann J. Buatis (Chief, Welfare and Development), JO1 Ian Jay O. Frando, and JO1 Mark John B. Belen, Development Officers.
This milestone not only reflects SorSU’s dedication to academic inclusivity and nation-building but also emphasizes the role of education in promoting rehabilitation, empowerment, and social justice. The College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) program continues to serve as a beacon of hope and transformation, proof that education has no boundaries.
Pamantasang May Puso. Edukasyon para sa Lahat. (SorSU PIO)
