EXAMINING THE PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY’S (PDLs) PARTICIPATION, PERCEPTION, AND SATISFACTION ON THE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY MODALITY PROGRAM OF BJMP CAUAYAN CITY USING MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

The fulfillment of human needs is one of the motivations for the optimal functioning of an individual. Maslow suggests that when these needs are unfulfilled, individuals may resort to frustrated actions. In penitentiary institutions, there exists a challenge to its fulfillment, which has impacted the reformation of PDLs. In this study, the researchers utilized a qualitative descriptive research design to determine if the Therapeutic Community Modality Program (TCMP) fulfills the needs of the PDLs. A semi-structured interview guide was crafted, and ethical considerations were strictly followed. The results show that in the TCM Program, PDLs serve as peer counselors, trustees, spiritual networkers, and Therapeutic Community (TC) leaders. Being in the said program, the PDLs experienced behavioral reformation, change in perspective, and spiritual recovery. The result also indicates that the PDLs’ needs according to Maslow’s theory were fulfilled in the implementation of TCMP especially in their physiological and esteem needs. However, such fulfillment indicates self-efficacy and social desirability bias. In terms of the impact of TCMP as a rehabilitating tool, it is perceived by the PDLs as a program with desirable results since it inculcates positive impacts. Conversely, this study also recognizes that PDLs receive negative criticism while undergoing the TCM Program.