Two groups that participated in the 18-week psychospiritual program sponsored by the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS) received their diplomas. Teresita Tanseco-Cruz: “Step by step, we rebuild lives.” The young detainees of the New Bilibid medium security prison, Muntinlupa, regain faith and hope. Marcos, one of them, said: “I have learned to forgive myself.”
Manila () – The Resilience Program (RePro) is one of the latest services offered by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It consists of accompanying imprisoned children and young people in the growth of their personality and their ability to face difficulties. In October, the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS), a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to the prison community, celebrated the regained growth, resilience, and hope of second and third grade youth. group that participated in the program, giving them diplomas. These brave young souls – children in conflict with the law and incarcerated youth (PDL) from the New Bilibid Medium Security Prison in Muntinlupa, Manila – came together for 18 weeks of self-discovery and accountability.
RePro is more than just a program. The Ruben M. Tanseco Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM), a Jesuit-led organization and ministry with lay partners, offers this program as a life-changing experience. It is a psychospiritual initiative that has become the cornerstone of PJPS, and involves guiding young people to discover their true selves and develop resilience that helps them overcome life’s challenges. The diploma ceremony was not limited to certificates and applause, but was a heartfelt moment rich in stories of change, strength and renewed hope.
The PJPS team, volunteers, RePro facilitators, RMT-CEFAM members and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) have proudly witnessed the powerful transformation of the participants. The event was filled with moving testimonies from young people who shared their journey of growth and achievements. Mark, one of them, said: “I have learned to forgive myself and accept myself as I am.” For Darío, it is about “self-love and humility: not only have I learned it, but the Resilience Program made me experience it.”
For Grace, “Everyone has to go through something. I learned to set goals and stay calm.” According to Jester, the program has allowed them to believe in themselves and love themselves. For Toni it is about “forgiveness and gratitude, every day. The decision to improve my life is mine. ” These observations reinforce the powerful idea that the path to self-knowledge and healing never ends, even within prison walls. It is fueled by faith, courage and the incredible support of the project.
Teresita Tanseco-Cruz and María Dolores T. Del Rosario, founders of RMT-CEFAM, spoke with the graduates. “What I am left with from the Resilience Program is a heart full of joy and hope,” said Tanseco-Cruz. “The program is psychospiritual; “If we don’t cling to the Lord, it doesn’t make sense,” he added. Del Rosario went on to say, “To me, each of you is an inspiration.” The Resilience Program is also an opportunity to interact and enter into a relationship with God, as beloved children. Their heartfelt testimonies have reminded us all that true change begins when you let faith, hope, and self-love light the way.
Without the commitment and dedication of the members, volunteers and facilitators, of RMT-CEFAM, the Consuelo Foundation and the BuCors staff, we would not have achieved this goal. For these young detainees, the program is a ray of hope that puts them on the path to a better future. This marks the beginning of a lifelong quest to discover oneself, not just the conclusion of a program. “Step by step, we continue to rebuild lives, rekindle hope and restore dignity,” Tanseco-Cruz said. The Bureau of Corrections of the city of Muntinlupa relies on the services of PJPS, a non-profit organization that helps the prison population in comprehensive rehabilitation.
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