PROJECT RISE (Reintegration through Innovative Skills and Empowerment): A Livelihood Training Program in Bread and Pastry Production for Persons Deprived of Liberty

ABSTRACT The reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) into society remains a critical challenge due to limited access to education, employable skills, and pervasive social stigma. To address these concerns, Project RISE (Reintegration through Innovative Skills and Empowerment) was implemented at the Agoo District Jail in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This livelihood training program focused on Bread and Pastry Production NC II, equipping PDLs and select jail officers with technical-vocational skills to enhance rehabilitation, employability, and self-sufficiency. The study employed a descriptive quantitative design to evaluate program validity and effectiveness. Twenty participants, composed of 14 PDLs and 6 jail officers, underwent intensive training and later the TESDA National Certification II (NC II) assessment. Program validation by vocational experts yielded a weighted mean of 4.69, categorized as highly valid across content, objectives, usability, and sustainability. Notably, all 20 participants achieved a 100% NC II certification rate. Beyond certification, the program generated substantial short-term outcomes. The establishment of the Agoo District Jail Bakeshop provided an in-facility livelihood activity, enabling participants to earn a collective income of ₱24,875 within six months. Skills transfer also occurred through peer mentorship, sustaining knowledge-sharing among PDLs under the supervision of trained officers. Two released PDLs successfully reintegrated: one gained employment in a local bakeshop, while another established a home-based bakery business, demonstrating the program’s real-world applicability and economic impact. The findings affirm the transformative potential of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in correctional settings. Project RISE not only enhanced competencies and financial independence but also fostered dignity, discipline, and hope for reintegration. Broader replication of similar livelihood programs is recommended to reduce recidivism, strengthen rehabilitation, and promote inclusive community reintegration.