Nineteen female graduates earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship  under the Quezon City government’s “No Woman Left Behind” program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

The graduation ceremony, held at Camp Karingal, was attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, Gender and Development Council Secretary Janete Oviedo, QC Jail Female Dormitory Warden JCINSP. Lourvina Abrazado and other QC Government and QC Jail Female Dormitory officials.

Dr. Gerardo Bautista, QCU Dean of College of Business Administration and Accountancy, presented the graduates while Dr. Theresita Atienza, QCU President, conferred the degrees.

“Nakatataba ng puso na makitang mayroon nang college degree ang ating mga PDL. Patunay lang ito na hindi hadlang ang bilangguan para lang makapag-aral at makamit ang pangarap,” Belmonte said.

Of the 19 graduates, one has been convicted, six have been released and completed the program online, and 12 are still detained with ongoing cases.

As entrepreneurship graduates, they will be given the opportunity to avail of the Pangkabuhayang QC assistance program and Tindahan ni Ate Joy program. The graduates will also have the opportunity to be employed through the QC Public Employment Services Office once released. 

The QC government and the QC Gender and Development Council (QCGDAC), with the assistance of QCFJD, launched the tertiary programs for PDLs through a continuing education and opportunity to finish a college degree in two years through blended learning or face-to-face and online classes.

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