Davao City Jail Library Helps Educate Inmates for College

Inmates face a lot of prejudice from the general public making it difficult for them to fit right back into society once released. Whether a convict was fairly judged or not, most people would have their guard up when talking to someone who has done time. While the stigma may not go away anytime soon, stories of prisoners successfully reforming do exist. Inside the newly opened Davao City Jail Library, inmates are putting in the work to write that story of reformation, whether it’s for society to accept them back or to simply improve their lives.

Also read: 10 Library Cafes in Metro Manila for Bookworms & Avid Readers

Inmates study for the future inside Davao City Jail Library

Image credit: PTV Davao Official Facebook Page

For inmates inside the Davao City Jail Annex, the founding of the Davao City Jail Library serves as a glimmer of hope. The facility opened on 13 Mar 2023 and is the first of its kind in the Davao region. In partnership with the Davao City Jail Annex, the Social Entrepreneurship Technology and Business Institute (SETBI) College runs the library as a part of their College Behind Bars program. 

Apart from SETBI’s persons deprived of liberty (PDL), the library will also serve students under the government’s alternative learning system (ALS). There are currently eight inmates under the College Behind Bars program while there are 80 inmates studying under the ALS. Inmates from either program can check out books for overnight reading via borrower’s cards.

Also read: Harvard University Free Online Courses 2023 + How to Apply

Assembling a life-changing facility

Image credit: Davao City Jail-Annex Official Facebook Page

As humble as Davao Jail Library looks, the small facility comes stacked with a wealth of knowledge. Through the efforts of SETBI and the Davao City Jail Annex, the library is more than sufficient for the inmates. 

Majority of the books were donated by followers of the Davao City Jail Annex’s Facebook page. 

The Davao City Jail Library operates from 8am to 4pm every day.

Also read: 10 Things to Do in Davao — the King City of the South

It is true that the Davao City Jail Library is especially functional. But more than that, it serves an important purpose, encouraging inmates to boost their confidence and find functionality as they await their discharge. The founding of this library provides an opportunity for inmates to learn that there is a better tomorrow within reach.


Featured image credit: PTV Davao | Official Facebook Page

Published at


About Author

Aldous Vince Cabildo

Ever since growing up, Aldous learned how to look at things from an historical perspective. So whenever the opportunity to travel arises, he makes sure to go to places that contain local stories and memories. From there, he takes in the lessons from the past and picks out what to learn, or should it interest him, what to unlearn. At any chance he gets, he also makes sure to try out local cuisine. When not charting his next destination, Aldous likes to explore worlds found in video games, hip-hop, film, and professional wrestling. He is a proud resident of Tondo.

Brand Managers!

Want to see your brand or business in this story?

Talk to us now

Subscribe our Newsletter

Get our weekly tips and travel news!

Recommended Articles