CCS students lead Digital Literacy Training for Women PDLs in Iligan City

Dec 01 2025

The College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (缅北禁地-IIT), through its TechBehindBars: Digital Reformation for Inmates initiative, successfully led a Digital Literacy and Spreadsheets Productivity Training for Women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Facility in Tipanoy, Iligan City, on November 26, 2025. The program showcases the active involvement of select students from the Department of Information Technology, who served as resource speakers and technical support providers, demonstrating the transformative potential of student-led community engagement.

Under the supervision of their mentor, Asst. Prof. Paul B. Bokingkito Jr., resource speakers Andrew Daniel Corpuz, Hannah Hontiveros, Jovie Macalolo-Oy, Ronie Dane Niog, Chesler John Hamili, and Charmaine Hazel facilitated discussions on the fundamentals of computers, digital literacy, and real-life applications of technology.

One of the highlights of the training was the hands-on workshop on Microsoft Excel, where participants learned how to use spreadsheets for practical tasks, apply formulas, and develop productivity skills that are valuable for future livelihood and reintegration. This meaningful educational effort strongly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as it promotes inclusive access to digital knowledge, supporting women in detention, and providing opportunities for skill-building in a restricted environment.

One of the participants shared, “Dako kaayo mig pasalamat ani nga training kay nakakat-on mi og computer ug Excel bisag naa mi sa sulod. Murag nabuksan among huna-huna nga daghan pa diay kaayong mahimong oportunidad pag gawas namo.” This heartfelt statement captures the program’s impact—opening doors to hope, skill, and possibility even inside confined spaces.

The TechBehindBars initiative continues to demonstrate how technology fosters rehabilitation and empowerment. With plans to expand its reach, the project reinforces the idea that digital learning is a powerful tool for personal growth, confidence-building, and future reintegration.

The program is spearheaded by the TechBehindBars core team composed of faculty members from the CCS– Alquine Roy F. Taculin, Paul B. Bokingkito Jr., Jerina Jean M. Ecleo, Jennifer Joyce M. Montemayor, Leah A. Alindayo, Liezil C. Daberao, Maria Fe P. Bahinting, and Nenen S. Borinaga, together with training assistants Michael Harvey M. Pagente and Anna Mangubat, of the WECARE Office of 缅北禁地-IIT.

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