THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY AS A TREATMENT

MODALITY FOR PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY

IN MOUNTAIN PROVINCE DISTRICT JAIL

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

2023
Volume: 8
Pages: 1141-1149
Document ID: 2023PEMJ718
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7946499
Manuscript Accepted: 2023-16-5
Psych Educ, 2023, 8: 1141-1149, Document ID:2023 PEMJ718, doi:10.5281/zenodo.7946499, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Therapeutic Community as a Treatment Modality for Persons Deprived of

Liberty in Mountain Province District Jail
Edgar B. Mapangdol*
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.
Abstract
This study showcases the therapeutic community as a treatment modality for persons deprived of liberty in
Mountain Province District Jail. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative design, specifically the
descriptive methods. It sought to determine the frequency of observation of the components of TC as perceived
by the key informants and the effects of the therapeutic community along its different components. Insights of
the key informants during the interview where taken and treated using thematic analysis. The study found that
persons deprived of liberty participated in vocational skills and survival acquisition programs to a high extent for
self-reliance and sustainable economic growth. They had the opportunities to experience religious activities and
learned the right actions in situations where they need to seek Divine Providence. Most of all, they had enjoyed
the intellectual component of the therapeutic community in terms of the Alternative Learning System. The
Therapeutic Community Modality Program is perceived to be effective especially the work and educational
therapy services, livelihood skills training, counselling and religious services. The TC program had been very
remarkable as manifested by the gradual changes in behavior of persons deprived of liberty particularly with
the way they interact with others, their surroundings, and with the jail. Other programs and activities which
were strengthened through the TC program include the livelihood activities of the residents, skills training,
literacy program and spiritual activities.

Keywords: therapeutic community, treatment modality, persons deprived of liberty, reformation of

residents, mountain province district jail

Introduction Department of Corrections in Thailand and Malaysia

An English political activist George Bernard Shaw
once said “If you are going to punish a man
retributively, you must injure him. If you are to reform
him, you must improve him and men are not improved
by injuries (Fox & Stinchomb, 1994).” Almost every
correctional facility uses some mode of treatment to
help in the rehabilitation of inmates. A breakthrough in
the treatment of offenders housed in correctional
facilities is the inception of therapeutic community
approaches.
Therapeutic community is a special program that
employs a participative, group-based treatment
approach to the personality disorders and complex
emotional and interpersonal problems (BJMP Manual,
2015). In 1971, with the help from an ex-heroin addict,
TC was established in the Philippines that started the
Filipino private drug abuse prevention and treatment
program called Drug Abuse Research Foundation, Inc.
(DARE) in Manila. DARE’s first TC house was
named Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope) played a major
role helping to spread the TC throughout the Southeast
Asia (Perfas 2014).
The first successful prison based therapeutic
communities in Asia were established in Thailand and
Malaysia (Perfas, 2012). In early 1990s, the
each launched an initiative to develop TCs in prison.
Daytop International, with funding from the U.S.
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs,
assisted in training personnel and extending technical
assistance in organizing the TC inside prisons. Daytop
trainers went to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to
conduct a series of training, and several corrections
officer came to Daytop in New York for further
training (Perfas 2014). Ecuador in 1997 established a
small TC called Logros in its most dangerous prisons
with about ten inmates but by mid-2000 had grown to
include over 100 inmates in a TC-dedicated section of
the prison (Perfas, 2012). Perfas (2012) stated that the
most amazing feature of this prison based TC is the
fact that the coordination of most of its treatment
activities, including the selection and screening of new
members, are handled by no other than community
members. Important decisions, such as whether or not
residents in violation of program rules are expelled and
returned to the general prison population and/or
readmission to the program are made by the
community.
The Philippine government has since applied
therapeutic communities in jails under the Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology, national penitentiaries
under the Bureau of Corrections and community -
based under the Parole and Probation Administration,
and drug rehabilitation centers under the Department

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Research Article
of Health (Perfas (2012). The Parole and Probation
Administration embarked on the first criminal justice
training (Perfas 2014).
At present, the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology recognized therapeutic community modality
program as the backbone of the Bureau for inmate
development and is being implemented nationwide,
but sustaining therapeutic program in jails remains a
challenge. There is an issue of development versus
security. Wardens were adamant to implement the
program for fear of security laxity due to the increased
mobility of inmates during activities. The low ratio of
jail personnel to inmates has caused such alarm.
Another issue is that; Therapeutic Community staffs
are regularly rotated to other jails as part of the
Bureau’s rules thus leaving a vacuum on the respective
jails if not properly relieved by another TC trained
staff. This lack of constancy and consistency makes it
difficult for the program to thrive (TCMP Manual,
n.d.).
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, the BJMP
Cordillera adopted therapeutic community modality
program as a model in the implementation of Inmates’
Welfare and Development Program. In an informal
interview with the BJMP-Cordillera Regional
Therapeutic Community focal person, JSInspector
Ayangwa, she said that every local jail under the
BJMP such as district, city and municipal jail is
mandated to implement therapeutic community
programs to inmates. Otherwise, it will be a failure of
such jail.
In the District Jail of Mountain Province, under the
management of the Bureau, reformation process was
enhanced and more programs were implemented to
improve the services towards inmates. These services
include but not limited to livelihood programs,
educational and vocational programs, interfaith
program, sports and recreational program and
therapeutic community modality program.
Different literature show that the therapeutic
community is being adopted in many countries as a
mode of treatment for inmates which means that
therapeutic community is influencing and impacting
the lives of offenders for positive change. The result of
this study may provide information that the local jails
may consider it significant in maintaining/modifying
therapeutic community modality program essential in
the process of rehabilitating persons deprive of liberty
brought under its jurisdiction.
Findings of the study could form part of the literature
Edgar B. Mapangdol
in addition to the existing references to future
researchers who wish to do the same study, more
particularly on the treatment of offenders. Correctional
practitioners and criminology students can gain from
this study as a reference on matters relating to inmates’
rehabilitation.
Research Questions
This study aimed to assess the therapeutic community
as a treatment modality for persons deprived of liberty
(PDL) in Mountain Province District Jail. It
specifically sought to provide answers to the following
questions:
1. What is the frequency of observation of the
components of TC as perceived by the respondents?
2. What are the effects of the therapeutic community
along its different components as a treatment modality
for persons deprived of liberty?
Literature Review
Therapeutic community is a model of treatment based
on family and community (De Leon 2000). It is
fundamentally a self-help approach which strives to
sustain the main characteristics of a prosocial and
positive family environment. This includes structure to
provide order in daily living; nurturance through
physical and psychological safety; individual
acceptance and encouragement, conditional only upon
honest participation; and the transmission of healthy
values.
In the study of Bennet & Shuker (2017), “The
potential of prison-based democratic therapeutic
communities” at HM Prison Grendon and Springhill,
Aylesbury, UK, findings showed a wide range of
positive benefits including reduced levels of disruption
in prison, reduced self-harm, improved well-being, an
environment that is experienced as more humane and
reduced levels of reoffending.
Another study “Impact of Therapeutic Community
Training on Knowledge and Attitudes of Correctional
Officers” (Talpalde, et. Al., 2012) indicated that
officers recognized the need for a cognitive shift about
authority in the jail and in the attitudes toward the
inmates. Validation by the inmates as documented by
their positive beliefs about the officers, further
confirmed this shift in knowledge and attitudes.
Implications for positive social change, by reducing
recidivism, rehabilitating inmates into becoming
productive members of the community and fostering
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Research Article

the growth of safer communities are imminent. IWDU were also interviewed to validate responses
from persons deprived of liberty.
In his study, Inmates’ Welfare and Development
Programs of Baguio City Jail, Banasen (2015) found
Instruments of the Study
out that the therapeutic community modality program
at the Baguio City Jail is much attained as perceived
by jail officers and inmates. He concluded that the To a d d r e s s p r o b l e m n u m b e r o n e ,
Baguio City Jail is successful in attaining the various questionnaire/checklists were administered to person’s
Inmates’ welfare and Development Programs such as: deprived of liberty. Problem number two on the other
Health services; livelihood services; educational hand was answered through in – depth interview to
services, sports and recreation services; para-legal PDL using interview guide. Tools were translated into
services; religious services; and therapeutic Ilocano dialect by the researcher which is the most
community modality program. preferred medium of interview by the PDL.
Similarly, Bagtaso (2018) concluded in her research
Data collected using questionnaire – checklists
titled “Therapeutic Community Modality Programs for
released residents of La Union” that TCMPs are underwent statistical analysis and results in a
effective in changing the behaviors of released numerical representation while data gathered through
residents in terms of behavioral management, interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis
focusing on examining themes within data on the
psychological and emotional well-being, intellectual
effects of therapeutic community to the participants.
and spiritual well-being and vocational and survival
skills. She added that TCMP model enhances the Coding was the primary process used in developing
effectiveness of jail management in the reformation
themes within the raw data. The data from the key
and rehabilitation of residents. informants’ interview were recorded and transcribed.
Escabel, et. Al. (2015) stated in their research The transcribed interviews were presented, checked
“Therapeutic Community Modality Program and verified by key informants to ensure that their
Implemented in Batangas City Jail” that the statements during the interview are exactly the same.
therapeutic community modality program is perceived
by the inmates as effective specifically the work and
educational therapy services, livelihood skill training, Results and Discussion
counseling & religious services, and medical services.

This section presents the findings according to the

Methodology study's research questions. The results were based
from the data gathered from the respondents.
The study adopted the mix method of research
employing both quantitative and qualitative method. Frequency of Observance of the Components of the
Questionnaire – checklists were administered focusing Therapeutic Community as Perceived by
on frequency of observance of the components of TC Respondents
as perceived by respondents supplemented by
interviews with persons deprived of liberty and the
Specific problem one of the study focuses on how
District Jail personnel.
often are the components of the therapeutic
Participants/Respondents community observed by the respondents. Table 1
shows the data in answer to this problem of the study.
The Mountain Province District Jail was the locale of As shown in table 1, respondents perceived that they
the study. It focused on persons deprived of liberty often observed the components of the therapeutic
charged with different offenses. There were eight community modality program as shown by the overall
respondents who participated in the study. mean of 2.70.
Respondents were chosen based from the length of
time they stayed as member of the TC as per
recommendation by the head of Inmates Welfare and
Development Unit (IWDU). Implementers of the
program such as the Jail Warden and the head of the

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Research Article

. Table 1. Frequency of Observance of the

Components of the Therapeutic Community as
Perceived by Respondents

The finding implies that these programs/activities are

regularly implemented as scheduled whenever needed
and applicable.

The result reiterates the concept of reformation as

stipulated under Republic Act No. 10575, otherwise
known as “THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS ACT

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OF 2013” and Rule 59 of the United Nations Standard
Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners which
goes: “To this end, the institution should utilize all the
remedial, educational, moral, spiritual and other forces
and forms of assistance which are appropriate and
available, and should seek to apply them according to
the individual treatment needs of the inmates.”
Behavioral Management
As gleaned from the table, the behavioral management
tools were often observed by the respondents as shown
in area mean of 2.80. The respondents stated that the
TC staff members regularly address misbehaviors
through pull-up, talk to, dealt with, morning meetings,
pre-morning meetings, bans, learning experience,
haircut and general meetings. Simple violations are
promptly corrected before such violations become
grave and habitual. A Key Informant said “there is an
immediate correction if somebody incurs violation. He
is reprimanded and be reminded immediately”.
“Reprimand is given to some who does violation so
the same mistake shall not be repeated”, another PDL
added.
Meetings are scheduled to occur frequently to provide
information on arrangements, matters of functional
routine and special events. Meetings are convened
within the community as needed to address significant
issues affecting the community, particularly those with
a potentially negative impact (Clark, 2010).
It is obvious that talk to get the highest mean of 3.88
which means always observed. This is so because
MPDJ does not tolerate a simple violation to become
serious. According to one of the MPDJ personnel, this
strategy is to evoke awareness on the part of the
violators to avoid committing the same mistake and be
given heavier sanctions if done in the future.
On the other hand, expulsion has a low mean (1.38)
which is seldom observed. A PDL narrated in local
dialect that he is not aware of anyone expelled from
the jail to another jurisdiction as he has not heard
anybody who committed serious violation while inside
the facility. This statement was affirmed by the DJ
Warden that cases of expulsion could only be
applicable when an inmate is unmanageable or he
poses threat to other PDL or to himself.
Emotional and Psychological Management
The psychological and emotional aspects of the
therapeutic community modality treatment were
sometimes observed by the respondents as shown in
the area mean of 2.37. The respondents observed that
Edgar B. Mapangdol
sometimes the psychological and emotional aspects of
the community modality treatment are neglected.
Some activities under this program are not practiced,
for instance, the women’s group which has a very low
mean of 1.13, interpreted as seldom observed. This is
because at the time the interview was conducted, there
were only two female inmates in the jail which is
impractical to form women’s group. Likewise, there is
no existing male inmate’s organization to compose
men’s group and there were no activities related to loss
and bereavement.
The initial/intake interview was perceived by the
respondents as always observed (4.00). This is due to
the fact that every incoming inmate is obliged/required
to undergo orientation where jail rules are explained.
Additionally, it is a standard operating procedure for
every jail to explain what is expected from every
resident and what a resident should expect from the
jail.
Intellectual and Spiritual Components
The intellectual and spiritual management component
of the therapeutic community modality program, the
respondents perceived that this component was
sometimes observed as shown in the area mean 2.35.
This implies that the respondents do not usually
experience the intellectual and spiritual treatment
modes because some activities in this aspect are only
practiced dependent from outside service providers.
But the table shows that PDL always practiced
religious activities as a therapeutic component among
the ways of their community modality development.
Religious activities were mentioned that these
activities uplifted their image as PDL by making them
and everyone else understand that they are persons
who were only deprived of their liberty but never as
worthless people of society.
The respondents mentioned that they are allowed to
satisfy their religious needs and spiritual life, in
particular by attending the services or meetings
provided in the detention facility. Some respondents
also said that they experienced leading others in
fellowship activities as what religious leaders are
doing. That is, to lead the prayer, to preach the gospel
with other PDL as audience and other activities inside
the facility.
The intellectual component of TC was mostly
appreciated and always observed in the Alternative
Learning System (ALS) for the undergraduates of the
elementary and secondary level and literacy classes for
the inmates. It was likewise stressed that there were
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several PDL who availed of the ALS to where they
benefitted much because there were several of them
who were given certificates of completion of the basic
education programs. They also had expressed their
appreciation and gratitude of the opportunity given
them to upgrade/level up the educational background
they had.
Chavez (2018) in his article “BJMP pushes ALS for
jail inmates” in the Manila Bulletin mentioned that the
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has
further strengthened its program that provides
alternative education to its inmates to transform them
to be productive citizens once they have served their
time.
Moreover, it is observed that meditation has the lowest
mean of 1.25, which means seldom observed. A PDL
said in Ilocano that as far as he remembers, they are
not provided time for meditation by the jail
management. He meditates inside the cell when no one
is around which is very seldom to happen.
Seminar and debates under the same umbrella are
seldom observed with a mean 1.25. According to one
key informant “as far as I remember, we had two
seminars in one year. One was conducted by the DILG
and the other by human rights. These are important
because it give knowledge”.
Vocational/Survival Skills
The table shows that the vocational/survival skills
component was always observed by the respondents as
manifested in the area mean of 3.28. Respondents
stated that these skills were very much appreciated and
mostly participated by the PDL.
From the table, respondents rated livelihood and skills
training as always observed with a mean of 4.00.
Vocational skills training offered in the jail include
installation of tiles, welding, masonry, carpentry, auto-
mechanics, barbering and h a n d i c r a f t s .
Vocational/survival skills were offered and the trainees
were asked to choose which of these they would be He also disclosed the reduction of vices among the
interested in, thus, the freedom of choice was PDL like smoking cigarettes.
observed.
It is noted that job changes has the lowest mean of of the facility. He expressed that though TC is still
2.25, interpreted as sometimes observed. From the moving to its peak, the program has a great impact to
explanation by a PDL (TC coordinator of MPDJ), he PDL.
stressed that job rotation is not always practiced
because residents preferred to stay in a particular
assignment for mastery and familiarization.
The therapeutic community as a treatment modality in
Edgar B. Mapangdol
Mountain Province District Jail is designed to rebuild a
strong foundation of trust and confidence among
persons deprived of liberty. It is a treatment model of
which the programs and activities provide and
continue to empower and equip them with the right
values and formation to become a better and renewed
person prior to their reintegration to the society. It had
likewise assured them that the detention facility is not
a place for punishment but for restoration, discovery
and lifting up of the best versions of themselves.
Effects of the Therapeutic Community along its
Different Components as a Mode of Treatment to
Persons Deprived of Liberty
Specific problem two of the study focuses on the
effects of the different components of the therapeutic
community as a mode of treatment to PDL. The
answers to this problem were solicited from the
interviews conducted among PDL.
Behavioral Management
The respondents expressed that the behavioral
management they mostly appreciated were the talk to,
pull up, learning experiences and morning meetings.
These helped them much in their therapeutic processes
in the detention cells.
Self-Discipline. Respondents expressed that with the
behavioral management activities, their self-discipline
improved. They even said that because of the activity
there is prompt correction of mistakes and that they are
constantly reminded of self-discipline.
The statements of PDL were affirmed by the head of
MPDJ-IWDU head and TC focal person, who narrated
that since the implementation of TC, trivial mistakes
are immediately corrected through talk to; pull-up;
etc., a great difference was observed in terms of
discipline among PDL. He added that there is an
apparent decline on the infractions against jail rules.
The above statements were reinforced by the warden
Self-reflection. Respondents expressed that the
behavioral development component of the therapeutic
community had developed in them the ability to listen
to the experiences of others in their sharing activities.
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Respondents likewise mentioned that their behavioral
management focused on group discussions with peers
and an elder who acted as leader of the group. They
further mentioned the importance of learning
experience as they realized the value of correcting
infraction or offenses made.
Improved respect towards others. Respondents said
that because of TC practices particularly on behavior
management, respect towards others further improved
and strengthened.
Sense of humility. PDL admitted to have developed
sense of humbleness because of behavior management
activities. The sharing of experiences during meetings
and disclosure of testimonies during religious
fellowship likewise had made them realized that some
circumstances of the commission of their wrong
doings had a cause that gave them the opportunities to
show respect for others, humility to accept mistakes
and the contention to reform.
Emotional and Psychological Management
PDL are basically psychologically and emotionally
challenged. They share one thing in common, that is
being incarcerated with uncertainties as to the outcome
of their individual cases. They feel isolated, helpless
and at times hopeless brought about by separation
from their loved ones and society in general.
Self - control. According to respondents, they can hold
their anger because they are constantly reminded of
anger control. Interviews from the PDL revealed that
the initial intake/interview, group counseling, anger
management and peer confrontation had helped them
in their psychological and emotional management.
One PDL added that peer confrontation is done inside
their respective cells by the TC elder whenever there
are trivial offenses that need to be checked before it
turn serious. Respondents likewise expressed that the
counseling during religious sessions had given them
the feeling of relief from their problems, instilled in
them the right management of anger, and had also
reminded of the virtue of patience.
Self-Realization. PDL further mentioned that the
counseling and peer confrontation had instilled in them
self-realization of the wrong doings they had
committed and made them deal with others better.
They also mentioned that they had realized that they
need others to strengthen their convictions to reform.
Sense of trust. PDL acknowledged their trusts from
others developed. They said that because of TC
activities, they are not ashamed of disclosing what
Edgar B. Mapangdol
they have, share experiences to their peers, the TC
elders and religious leaders. Respondents likewise
stressed that they really need others to seek pieces of
advice in times they are down. One PDL lamented that
“first, do not take your problem seriously. Laugh a
little and share it to a person whom you trust so you
could earn suggestions from him.”
Improved interpersonal relationship. The PDL
admitted that they have improved their relationship
with others through constant reminders and activities
on TC programs. They had also realized their self-
worth and that their social relationship had been
developed and their direction in life had been directed
through pieces of advice they got from the members of
the group and most especially from the TC elder.
As stressed by Seigel & Worral (2016), prison inmates
typically suffer from a variety of cognitive and
psychosocial deficits, such as poor emotional control,
social skills, and interpersonal problem solving.
Modern counseling programs help inmates to control
emotions; to communicate with others; to deal with
legal concerns; and to develop and maintain social
relationships.
Intellectual and Spiritual Components
The intellectual component responds to the natural
human characteristics of yearning for knowledge in
order to move to a higher level of understanding.
Educational development. The intellectual activities of
the respondents were developed through the alternative
learning system (ALS).
Sense of maturity. The PDL acknowledged that
intellectual and spiritual activities have instilled in
them the feeling of becoming more matured. “There’s
no more nervousness when I stand in front of people
and the kind of thinking I have become more
matured”, a PDL said. “I gained more knowledge and
my way of thinking is a little bit more matured”, added
by another PDL.
Fabian (2017) in his article “ALS, livelihood programs
enrich lives of Baguio’s female inmates” at the Manila
Bulletin stressed that for the female inmates at the
Baguio City Jail, various livelihood and educational
advancement programs are elevating their self-esteem
despite being put away from mainstream society.
Keith (2016) in his article “Baguio inmates finish ALS
program” in the Manila Times stated that six female
and three male wards received their diplomas for
passing the Alternative Learning System 2
Accreditation and Equivalency (A and E) test for the
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secondary level at the Baguio City Jail multi-purpose
hall recently. He further cited Arthur Tiongan,
Department of Education-Baguio ALS supervisor, who
said the graduates attended their classes and took the
accreditation and equivalency test while in detention,
making them eligible for college.
Strengthened Faith/Godly. The spiritual component of
the therapeutic community modality was appreciated
most by the PDL and is instilled in the respondents
their faith through religious activities. The respondents
had expressed that the religious activities had instilled
in them hope and optimism even when things were
difficult. They had compassions and empathy for
others. They had felt peace or in harmony with nature,
life, and the world. They also had found peace in
meditation or religious rituals like worships and
prayers.
Vocational/Survival Skills
The vocational and survival skills in MPDJ were very
much appreciated and that the PDL expressed that
acquiring these skills gave them life after detention
and even when they are not priorities to work in
establishments because of their records, they could still
earn a living and become economically stable for their
families as well. Self-worth/Self-reliance. Respondents
mentioned that because of the trainings they attended,
they have more chances of employment after
detention.
They even mentioned that the love for work, humility,
and respect for others were also instilled in them while
they were trained for these vocational and survival
skills. These were made possible with the MOA
entered into by the MPDJ and TESDA. Aside from the
vocational trainings, PDL are also busy with their
livelihood activities. This includes but not limited to
wood carvings, picture frame making, basketry and
others.
Positive outlook. They further expressed that their
outlook in life had changed and they had even had
committed to change, reform and rehabilitate for their
families.
In line of the over-all goal of the therapeutic
community, the persons deprived of liberty in
Mountain Province District Jail had pursued to instill
changes of attitudes and behavior, instill hope, and
foster economic growth, including self-management
ability. There were tools and activities offered that had
served more than just the purpose of curbing
unproductive behavior. They are also means used for
enforcing community sanctions on behavior that
Edgar B. Mapangdol
undermine the safety and integrity of the community.
Everything done in the community is meant to erase
“street behavior” and to lead the offender to be
committed to have been reformed, changed, relearned
or re-established healthy and functioning skills in
preparation for their eventual re-integration to the
society.
Conclusion
Persons deprived of liberty in Mountain Province
District Jail revealed that they participated in
vocational skills and survival acquisition programs to a
high extent for self-reliance and sustainable economic
growth. They likewise had the opportunities to
experience religious activities of which they had
learned the right actions in situations where they need
to seek Divine Providence. Most of all, they had
enjoyed the intellectual component of the therapeutic
community in terms of the Alternative Learning
System. They had chances for upgrading their
educational level transforming them to be productive
citizens once they have served their time.
The Therapeutic Community Modality Program is
perceived by inmates as effective specifically the work
and educational therapy services, livelihood skills
training, and the counselling and religious services.
The TC program had been very remarkable as
manifested with the gradual changes in residents’
behaviour particularly with the way they interact with
their fellow residents. Morning meetings are
conducted to remind residents on their conducts while
in the jail. Other programs and activities which were
strengthened because of the TC program include the
livelihood activities of the residents, skills training,
literacy program, and spiritual activities, among
others.
Hence, the psychological and emotional aspect of the
therapeutic community may further be strengthened
for persons deprived of liberty for them to be able to
overcome some emotional disturbances they are
experiencing. A psychologist/psychiatrist may be
employed in the jail to cater to the emotional needs of
inmates, if not, psychological or emotional experts
available in the province be tapped during counselling
sessions for the same purpose. Men’s group or static
groups be organized in the jail with the supervision
and guidance of TC trained personnel to help uplift the
morale of PDL. Also, this study suggests that the
Alternative Learning System be strengthened since
most of the inmates were high school undergraduate,
this program will help them attain good economic
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Psych Educ, 2023, 8: 1141-1149, Document ID:2023 PEMJ718, doi:10.5281/zenodo.7946499, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article
status after release in jail. Likewise, the jail may seek
partnership with both government and private entities
and other organizations through memorandum of
agreements in the province that are willing to help
strengthen activities on seminars, lectures, ALS,
debates and other programs leading to the reformation
of PDL which the jail could not provide because of
limited resources.
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Affiliations and Corresponding Informations
Edgar B. Mapangdol
Mountain Province State Polytechnic College - Philippines
1149/1149