Empowering Second Chances: How DICT’s ICT Training is Transforming the Lives of Women Persons Deprived of Liberty and Students in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

COURTESY: EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay

In today’s dynamic digital age, the capacity to navigate information and communications technology (ICT) is no longer a luxury but a necessity for meaningful participation in society. Recognizing this reality, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has taken commendable steps to empower often overlooked sectors of society. One such initiative recently took place in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, where DICT conducted a two-day ICT training specifically tailored for women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) alongside criminal justice students from Universidad De Zamboanga Ipil Campus. This landmark program not only aims to equip these marginalized groups with crucial digital skills but also resonates profoundly with the broader goals of rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion.

Redefining Rehabilitation: The Role of ICT Training for Women PDLs in Ipil

The concept of incarceration traditionally centers on deprivation and punishment; however, modern penal philosophies increasingly emphasize rehabilitation and reintegration. In this milieu, technology becomes a vital tool to provide education, skill-building, and future employability for Persons Deprived of Liberty. In Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, DICT’s two-day ICT training seminar propelled this vision into action by actively involving female PDLs from the Ipil District Jail Female Dormitory.

The training engaged a total of 30 participants, including women confined within the jail and criminal justice students. Together, they participated in hands-on sessions covering computer basics, Microsoft Office applications, and Canva design. Crucially, these engagements did not merely focus on imparting rudimentary computer knowledge; instead, they sought to foster a sense of digital empowerment and self-efficacy among participants. The transformative potential of these skills lies in their applicability in the real world—for seeking employment, engaging with digital government services, or establishing online entrepreneurial ventures upon release.

Moreover, the DICT’s initiative showcases an understanding that successful reintegration hinges upon equipping PDLs with the tools to navigate an increasingly digital society. Beyond mere technical processes, the program provides hope and opportunity to women who often confront social stigma and barriers to employment. By investing in digital literacy, DICT is fostering a rehabilitative environment anchored in skill-building, dignity, and second chances.

Bridging Academia and Custodial Institutions: Collaborative Learning for Progress

In conjunction with the training of incarcerated women, DICT also included students from Universidad De Zamboanga Ipil Campus’ criminal justice program. This synergistic approach underscores the institution’s recognition that learning is most impactful when it transcends traditional boundaries between educational environments and correctional settings. By facilitating joint sessions, the program encourages cross-learning, empathy-building, and mutual respect among participants who, despite their disparate circumstances, share the pursuit of knowledge and personal development.

The participation of students adds multiple layers of value to the initiative. First, it strengthens the practical skills of future justice professionals, allowing them to better understand the challenges and potential of those involved in the justice system. Second, it promotes awareness of digital equity issues, encouraging students to become advocates for digital inclusion within their communities.

Furthermore, collaborative training opportunities like this forge a critical link between academic theory and real-world application. As students impart digital knowledge and empathize with women PDLs’ experiences, they simultaneously enhance their own competencies and social responsibility.

Championing Digital Inclusion: DICT’s Vision for Equitable Technology Access

At the heart of DICT’s ICT training initiative in Zamboanga Sibugay lies a larger vision: bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive development. Engineer Mark Gacutan, provincial officer of DICT Zamboanga Sibugay, articulated this commitment succinctly during the program. He emphasized that the initiative is not merely an isolated training event but a continuous endeavor to ensure ICT access for all Filipinos—regardless of their socioeconomic status or circumstances.

This focus on inclusive digital empowerment demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to public policy. Digital exclusion often compounds social marginalization, whereas access to technology can catalyze education, economic advancement, and social reintegration. Consequently, by prioritizing ICT skills development for women PDLs and justice students, DICT embodies the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.

Moreover, the initiative’s emphasis on digital tools such as Microsoft Office and Canva serves dual purposes. It equips participants to perform conventional computer tasks that form the backbone of many job functions, while also nurturing creative and entrepreneurial skills through graphic design. Such comprehensive training frameworks are essential for cultivating versatile tech competencies in an evolving digital ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Promise of Digital Literacy as a Gateway to New Opportunities

DICT’s efforts in Ipil illustrate an inspiring model of how government agencies can leverage ICT training to create pathways for empowerment and societal transformation. By focusing on women PDLs and criminal justice students, the agency recognizes the strategic importance of targeting marginalized yet pivotal groups. Indeed, the empowerment of women incarcerated individuals has broader ripple effects on families, communities, and the national fabric.

Looking forward, DICT envisions the expansion of similar initiatives that continue to uplift and connect Filipinos through technology. Such endeavors not only support the rehabilitation and reintegration of justice-involved individuals but also reaffirm the fundamental human right to education and digital access. The agency’s message echoes clearly through Engineer Gacutan’s inspiring statement: “Through digital literacy, we open doors to second chances and future opportunities.”

DICT’s ICT training in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology when democratically deployed. It embodies a holistic approach to justice, education, and development that prioritizes inclusion and advancement. As the digital era unfolds, programs like this will be instrumental in crafting a more equitable and empowered Philippine society where every citizen holds the key to their digital future—regardless of past adversities.