PRESO, Inc. Launches Reintegration Program for Released PDL

At a time when reintegration remains one of the most urgent and under-addressed aspects of criminal justice reform, PRESO, Inc. has taken a bold and compassionate step forward. On May 16, 2025, the organization formally launched its new flagship initiative—“Bukas Loob Tungo sa Bagong Pag-asa” (A Program Towards Reintegration of Released PDL)—with the support of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation.

The event, held at the Rotary Center District 3780 in Quezon City, marked a historic milestone for the faith-based nonprofit. Founded to uphold the dignity of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and support their transformation, PRESO, Inc. has now expanded its mission to embrace those who are already released hence whose liberty were already restored—Persons Restored of Liberty (PRL)—and help them chart a path toward a better future.

A Whole-of-Community Approach

The launching brought together an inspiring mix of people: former PDL, community leaders, faith-based partners, and dedicated volunteers. It was a clear embodiment of PRESO’s belief in a whole-of-community approach to reintegration—where the burden and the blessing of helping former detainees rejoin society is shared by all.

“This is not just a seminar,” emphasized Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento, PRESO’s President and keynote speaker. “This is a declaration of hope, that we as a society can welcome our brothers and sisters back—not with fear, but with faith.”

Comm. Sarmiento, a long-time human rights advocate and one of the principal proponents of the detainee voting system in the Philippines, highlighted the urgency of aftercare support. “Reintegration cannot be an afterthought,” he said. “If we want safer communities and healed lives, we must invest in second chances.”

Launch Program: A Day of Learning and Listening

The day’s activities began with a heartfelt video-led opening prayer and the Philippine National Anthem. In her welcome remarks, Executive Director Tessie Gomez shared the vision behind the new project: “We aim to serve not just their physical needs, but the whole person—their heart, their hopes, and their healing.”

Program Supervisor Derek Santos followed with an orientation, introducing the components of the 6-month initiative supported by the MDRT Foundation. Among these are criminogenic risk assessments, values formation, entrepreneurship training, job placement, and continuous mentoring. “This is not a one-time event. This is a journey we are committing to walk with our PRLs,” Santos explained.

One of the day’s highlights was a powerful motivational talk by Bro. Danilo Degollado, a Catholic lay preacher and seasoned formator in prison ministry. With candor and compassion, he urged participants to reclaim their dignity. “Hindi kayo basura ng lipunan. You are sons and daughters of God. You have a future,” he said, prompting nods and quiet tears from many in the room.

In the afternoon, the event featured a personal testimony from Michael Bartolome, a Program Officer from the CBCP-Commission on Prison Pastoral Care. His message focused on resilience, urging the PRLs to “never define yourself by your worst mistake.”

Open forums and participant interactions throughout the day gave space for stories to be shared, wounds to be acknowledged, and hopes to be voiced aloud—many for the first time in years.

The Need is Great—The Time is Now

Based on BJMP data, over 92,000 PDLs were released in the past year from 441 jail facilities. Many return to communities unprepared to receive them—struggling with poverty, stigma, trauma, broken family ties and lack of livelihood. In the National Capital Region, the recidivism rate is at 30%, contributing to repeat offenses and overcrowded jails.

PRESO’s new program aims to serve at least 10-20 PRLs, handpicked with the help of partner jails. The goals are ambitious but necessary:

Ensure all participants undergo values formation and criminogenic risk assessments.

Support PRLs to launch small businesses with training and startup assistance or find employment through referrals and job placement.

Monitor all participants for at least 3 months, followed by an additional 3-month evaluation period.

A Vision Built on Faith and Justice

With a board composed of lawyers, faith leaders, human rights advocates, and development workers, PRESO, Inc. is uniquely equipped to respond to the complex needs of justice-involved individuals. The organization continues to serve as an accredited service provider for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and now, with support from the MDRT Foundation, is expanding its capacity to walk with PRLs post-release.

The words “Bukas Loob” capture the spirit of this new initiative: an open heart, a willing mind, and a future full of possibilities. It reminds us that freedom, while essential, is not enough. What every person restored of liberty truly needs is a community that believes in their transformation.

PRESO, Inc. is committed to being that community.