75 PDL at NODRC graduate with TESDA-certified NC II lifelong skills through SU TEVEC
Seventy-five (75) Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) housed at the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) formally received their National Certificates (NC) II issued by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the Silliman University Technical Educational Vocational and Entrepreneurial Center (SU TEVEC), on September 11, 2025.
This historic event marked TEVEC’s 41st Graduation Ceremony, with 25 graduates each for Organic Animal Production NC II in (1) Organic Concoction and Extract, (2) Raising Organic Hogs, and (3) Raising Organic Small Ruminants.
Atty. Richard R. Enojo, NODRC provincial warden, emphasized the importance of having the necessary capacity or skills to be productive members of society.
Atty. Richard R. Enojo, Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) provincial warden, opens the program with a message.
“NODRC is not only a detention but […] also a rehabilitation center,” Enojo said in his opening message.
“That’s why it’s also part of our mandate to rehabilitate and capacitate our prisoners so they will become productive members of the family [and] productive members of society.”
The provincial warden also thanked TESDA and TEVEC for “considering and identifying NODRC as one of its beneficiaries of its noble program.”
“With the help of TESDA and TEVEC, slowly we’ll be able to achieve that desire to improve the quality of life of our PDL inside the NODRC,” he added.
Joel M. Villagracia, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial director, speaks to the graduates at the NODRC.
TESDA Provincial Director Joel M. Villagracia credited this milestone to the “strong and genuine partnership” of the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, TESDA, NODRC, and SU through TEVEC and thanked everyone involved “for making this vision a reality” and ensuring no one is left behind.
Addressing the graduates, Villagracia reminded them that more than just the certificate, they also gained a valuable skill “as an instrument of change.”
According to him, “Pwede ni ninyo magamit diri sa sulod sa NODRC ug magpabilin nga produktibo ug, labaw sa tanan, sa higayon nga kamo mubalik sa inyong mga pamilya ug komunidad [You can use this inside the NODRC and remain productive and, most of all, once you go back to your family and community], this will serve as your livelihood, your starting point, and your means of reintegration.”
Asst. Prof. Alphita J. Enojo, wife of the provincial warden and Chemistry Department faculty member, and Vcpierre Morris Calunsag, TEVEC secretary, prepare the certificates ahead of the ceremony.
“Remember, ang inyong training dili lang para ninyo. Kini para usab sa inyong pamilya kung inyong ipaambit kini nga kahibalo sa inyong mga mahal sa kinabuhi [your training isn’t just for you. This is also for your family if you share this skill with your loved ones].”
Finally, Villagracia underscored TESDA’s clear message through this event: “Bisan asa, bisan kinsa, walay pasagdan [wherever, whoever, nobody left behind].”
This intervention, according to him, is proof that “we believe in second chances. We believe in your dignity.”
One of the PDL gives his response.
One of the graduates also expressed his gratitude to TESDA, TEVEC, and their provincial warden, on behalf of the PDL, for “making this journey possible.”
“You have equipped us not just with skills but with confidence and hope for a better future. I hope this is not the end but a start of a good relationship,” he said in his response.
“Kaingon mi nga ang gobyerno nalimot na namo. Pero nianhi gyud mo diri. Ako dako kaayo ko’g kalipay nga akong mga igsoon—akong tawgon og igsoon kay dugay na mi nagkuyog diri—makita didto ga-harvest sa ilang pechay. Gasugod na ilang okra. Kon naa pa mi’y baboy ron ug kanding, bisag asa na namo na gi tugway ug puhon-puhon, mamaligya na mi didto sa gawas. Pero kay tungod naa pa mi diri, pag gawas intawon, mao gyud nay among buhaton [We thought the government has forgotten us. But you came. My heart is full seeing my brothers—I call them brothers because we’ve been together for sometime now–harvesting their cabbage. Their okras are growing. Had we been given pigs or goats, they would have been grazing all over. Soon enough, we’d be selling outside. Seeing as we’re still here, when we get out, that’s exactly what we’ll do],” he added.
He believes that being a PDL is “never a barrier to success when we are given the right opportunities.”
TESDA’s Joel M. Villagracia (center-left), provincial director, holds his certificate of appreciation awarded by SU TEVEC. He is joined by (L-R) Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief; Dr. Ralton D. Bancairen, Office of Registration and Records Management chief; Blanchie M. Utzurrum, TEVEC head; Atty. Richard R. Enojo, NODRC provincial warden; and Rev. Jonathan M. Cal, SU Church Associate Minister for Christian Witness and Service.
Present at the ceremony together with Villagracia and Enojo were Rev. Jonathan M. Cal, Associate Minister for Christian Witness and Service; Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief; Dr. Ralton D. Bancairen, Office of Registration and Records Management chief; Blanchie M. Utzurrum, TEVEC head; Asst. Prof. Alphita J. Enojo, Atty. Enojo’s wife; TESDA staff; and trainers and staff of TEVEC.
