Second Session of “Bukas Loob Tungo sa Bagong Pag-asa” Affirms Financial Readiness as Key to Reintegration

Quezon City, June 13, 2025 — With hope rekindled and hearts wide open, the second session of PRESO, Inc.’s reintegration initiative, Bukas Loob Tungo sa Bagong Pag-asa (A Program Towards Reintegration of Released PDL), was successfully held at the Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy’s Centro Divino Pastoral Building. The day focused on a critical and often overlooked aspect of post-release life: financial literacy grounded in values.

As part of the organization’s six-month journey with Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs), this second session was designed not merely to teach money management, but to frame financial knowledge within the deeper context of values, responsibility, and mindset transformation.

From Restoration to Responsibility

The day began with a warm welcome from Executive Director Teresita “Tessie” D. Gomez, who greeted returning participants and introduced new ones. “True reintegration,” she noted, “isn’t just about freedom—it’s about readiness. Today, we take another step forward, not just to learn about money, but to learn how to steward our second chance.”

Following a recap of the previous session and a reminder of shared community agreements by Program Supervisor Derek Santos, the morning was graced with an inspirational message by Marlon Manaol, PRESO, Inc.’s Treasurer. He reminded participants that healing and progress begin with accepting one’s past—and committing to a different future.

Financial Literacy Rooted in Gratitude

The heart of the day’s session was the talk on Basic Financial Literacy by Jason T. Pilones, Commissioner of JCI Manila and a licensed financial advisor at Sun Life Philippines. But instead of jumping straight into numbers, Jason started with what he called the foundation of all success: gratitude.

“Gratitude is the seed of wise stewardship,” Pilones emphasized. “You cannot build a stable life if you carry bitterness or blame. Financial success starts when you’re thankful for what you have—no matter how little—and take steps from there.”

Through relatable stories, he walked participants through basic concepts such as budgeting, needs vs. wants, saving habits, and how to handle income, no matter how small. The participants—many of whom face joblessness, debt, or pressure to provide—were visibly engaged, taking notes and asking questions.

As the program closed, PRESO staff reminded participants of upcoming sessions, including those on values reorientation, entrepreneurship, and employment readiness. As in the first session, the message was clear: transformation is possible, but it must be walked in community.

With continued support from the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation, PRESO, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to champion justice not just in courtrooms or jails, but in communities—one person, one session, one transformed life at a time.

For more updates on Bukas Loob Tungo sa Bagong Pag-asa and PRESO, Inc.'s aftercare initiatives, visit www.presocbb.org or follow us on our social media page.