The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), in partnership with the University Extension Office (UEO), conducted an extension activity and livelihood program entitled “Food Skills, Entrepreneurial Will: A Reintegration Livelihood Training for PDLs” at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail, Bantay, Ilocos Sur on January 29–30, 2026.
The two-day training program aimed to empower Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) by equipping them with practical food preparation skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to enhance their employability and support their successful reintegration into society. This initiative intensifies the University’s commitment to inclusive development, social responsibility, and community engagement.
The training sessions featured a series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities facilitated by invited resource speakers and trainers. On Day 1, the sessions were led by Ms. Marie Lou Mejares, Ms. Deborah Jaena Reoliquio, and Mr. Gerald Valdez, while Day 2 was facilitated by Ms. Marie Lou Mejares, Mr. Aristotle Piamonte, and Ms. Illah Diva Faypon The discussions focused on food skills development, productivity, and basic entrepreneurship.
The program was spearheaded by Prof. May Evelia Ruadap, UEO Coordinator for Livelihood and Training Services, together with Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan. Organization and implementation were led by Dr. Erwin Tolbe, Dean of the College, and Dr. Richel Royce Chan, Program Chair of BS Entrep, with the support of faculty members, facilitators, and documenters from the College.
Through this extension and livelihood initiative, CBAA strengthened its role in community engagement by reaching out to a marginalized sector. By providing PDLs with relevant skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, the program aims to contribute meaningfully to their rehabilitation, self-reliance, and positive reintegration into the community.
Article by Emman Trevor Quilala
