25/10/2025
Bataan Peninsula State University – Main Campus
Health Beyond Bars Program
📅 National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) 2025
🩺 “Matatag na Paglilingkod, Makabagong Pamamaraan, Maunlad na Serbisyong Pang-Piitan”
In the spirit of compassion, collaboration, and community service, the Health Beyond Bars Program of Bataan Peninsula State University – Main Campus, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region III, the Bataan District Jail, and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Bataan Chapter, successfully celebrated the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) 2025 on October 20, 2025 at the BPSU Main Campus.
The event commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., D.D., followed by the National Anthem, BPSU March, BJMP Hymn, and a Unity Dance—symbolizing solidarity and shared purpose.
Warm and meaningful messages were shared by distinguished guests including Dr. Ruby B. Santos-Matibag, BPSU University President and Program Leader of Health Beyond Bars; JCINSP Cliff Richard Torres, Jail Warden of Bataan District Jail; and JCSUPT Paulino Moreno, BJMP Regional Director. Inspirational insights were also delivered by esteemed leaders such as Hon. Gener O. Pascual, Dr. Elizabeth Serrano, Hon. Philger Noel Inovejas, Vice Governor Maria Cristina M. Garcia, Hon. Geraldine B. Roman, and Dr. Ferdinand Q. Pascual, underscoring the importance of compassion and rehabilitation in correctional service.
A key highlight of the program was the Lifestyle Disease Prevention Webinar led by Dr. Danica Ramos, joined by participants from BJMP Region III and Region IV-A. The event also marked the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing between PDA, BPSU, and the Bataan District Jail, symbolizing a strengthened partnership for health service delivery within correctional institutions.
The afternoon was dedicated to a Medical and Dental Mission, where Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) received free consultations, dental services, and health education. This initiative was made possible through the selfless efforts of BPSU faculty members, students, and healthcare professionals who extended their expertise beyond the university walls.
The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Prof. Monica B. Tanchiatco-Hipolito, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Technology Transfer, reaffirming BPSU’s unwavering commitment to inclusive service, human dignity, and transformative rehabilitation.
Through the Health Beyond Bars Program, BPSU continues to uphold its mission of education and compassion, proving that healing and hope can thrive even beyond barriers.