Le Favori

VMA Library Leads Day 2 Book Donation Drive at BJMP Facilities

The celebration of the National Book Week 2025 at VMA Global College & Training Centers, Inc. continued on its second dayon Nov. 11, with a Book Caravan and Donation Drive at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities in Handumanan, Tabunan, and Taculing, serving both male and female libraries.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of VMA, together with Chester John C. Ferrer, Head of the Community Extension Development Office - KAPAWA and Jona G. Macaranas, RL, MLIS, Chief Librarian. They were joined by CPO Dionisio Milano, Dean of Discipline, and other VMA staff.

Upon arrival, the BJMP personnel warmly received the delegation and showcased their existing library facilities, opening opportunities for collaboration in promoting information literacy and access to educational resources among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The visit also allowed the librarians to provide professional assistance in acquiring, preserving, organizing, and disseminating information to strengthen jail library services.

This activity is anchored on BJMP Memorandum Circular No. DWD-MC-152, s. 2023, titled “Guidelines in the Establishment and Operation of Jail Libraries.” The Circular underscores that access to information is a basic right and a tool for rehabilitation, encouraging every jail facility to maintain a functional library that supports education, moral reformation, and reintegration of PDLs. It also highlights the importance of trained personnel and proper organization of library materials to ensure effective delivery of services.

Prior to the donation drive, library-in-charge personnel from BJMP attended an Information Literacy and Library Management Orientation led by the Chief Librarian, focusing on “Developing and Sustaining Library Services for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)”. The session provided practical strategies for managing and promoting reading activities within the correctional setting.

In her message, Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas emphasized that “Books open the mind and restore hope. Education continues even behind bars when compassion and knowledge are shared."

This sustainable extension program is part of VMA’s advocacy to promote literacy, education, and social reintegration, led by the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) under Dean Dr. Kirsty Magno, in collaboration with the Community Extension Development Office - KAPAWA and the VMA Library. The partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between VMA Global College and the BJMP, reaffirming the institution’s mission to advance education and reformation beyond the classroom*

When you walk in God’s righteousness, no attack, no lie, and no plan of the enemy can succeed against you. His protection surrounds you like a shield, and His favor goes before you. Stand firm in faith. God’s promises never fail.

The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3