Butuan city: Even behind bars, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Caraga Region are acquiring crucial digital skills through the ongoing Department of Information and Communications Technology's (DICT) Digital Literacy Training (DLT). Across the region, 95 PDLs have completed their respective DLTs in a series of training sessions conducted by the DICT in 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, these digital training sessions, done in three days, were conducted in the different jail facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte. Makru Paul Serrano, DICT-13 Project Development Officer II, highlighted that the sessions covered essential digital literacy skills, including basic computer operations, internet use, and online safety practices.

Serrano stated that through these sessions, the DICT enables PDLs to effectively navigate the digital landscape and facilitate their successful reintegration into society upon release. The PDLs also learned fundamental digital skills, including using word processing software, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.

This year, the first batch of trainees included 22 inmates from the Male Dormitory at the Butuan City Jail in Barangay Libertad. Serrano mentioned that the first batch was completed during the last week of February and that more training sessions are expected this year among the PDLs, pending schedule confirmations from the BJMP.

The DLT program is carried out as part of DICT's Literacy and Competency Development initiative through the Technology for Education, Employment, Trainers and Economic Development (Tech4ED) Project. Aside from bridging the digital divide, Tech4ED aims to expand access to ICT infrastructure, digital skills training, and government services in underserved communities.