INSIDE the high walls of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, hope quietly takes root in an unlikely place—a newly renovated school building where persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) return to their books, computer screens, and dreams of starting over.
Once worn and neglected, the Bilibid Extension School has been given a new lease on life by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF).
The upgraded facility, now called Better World Bilibid, was formally turned over to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD), which has run the school since 1984.
The building now features new classrooms, a computer room, a library, an audio-visual space, and a multipurpose hall, which is far from the barebones facility it used to be.
The transformation is part of SMC’s ₱150-million donation to NBP and the Women’s Correctional, a commitment made by SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang during a visit last year.
“Real change begins within each of us,” said SMF Chairperson Cecile L. Ang, addressing the student-inmates during the simple turnover ceremony. “We’re here to support you, to provide the facilities and materials that can help. But beyond what you now see—beyond the new buildings and tools—the most meaningful transformation must start from inside you. It’s your dreams, your choices, and your will to grow that will make this truly work.”
Of the total donation, ₱50 million was dedicated to the Bilibid Extension School for the building renovation and educational resources. Another ₱85 million is being used for a five-year meal augmentation program that will benefit over 31,000 inmates. During the last holiday season, SMC also distributed ₱15 million worth of food packs to inmates as Christmas gifts.
For hundreds of PDLs now enrolled in tertiary education and skills training, the refurbished school is more than just a structure: it’s a symbol of what’s still possible. Over 6,000 more inmates are also expected to benefit from recurring support in the form of uniforms, learning materials, and TESDA-certified vocational courses.
Present during the ceremony were UPHSD President Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, UPHSD founder Dr. Daisy M. Tamayo, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda, and UPHSD School Director Arnaldo S. de Guzman.
Better World Bilibid now joins SMC’s growing network of community centers under its Better World initiative, which includes hubs in Tondo, Smokey Mountain, Diliman, and Cubao that address hunger, education, health, and livelihood in underserved areas.
For these student-inmates, education is no longer just a privilege but has become their path to redemption.
