Date: May 6, 2025
Activity: San Miguel Foundation Turns Over Newly Refurbished University of Perpetual Help – Bilibid Extension School
On May 6, 2025, a significant milestone was celebrated at Camp Sampaguita, Medium Security Compound in New Bilibid Prison, Barangay Poblacion, as the San Miguel Foundation (SMF) formally turned over the newly refurbished University of Perpetual Help – Bilibid Extension School (UPH-BES) and its upgraded facilities.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by key figures from the public and private sectors, led by SMF Chairperson Ms. Cecile Ang. She was joined by Hon. Karl Miranda, Senior Member of the 6th Division of the Sandiganbayan; Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Director General of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); Deputy Director General for Operations Gil Toralba; C/CSUpt Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, OIC-Deputy Director General for Reformation; Dr. Daisy M. Tamayo, Co-Founder of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD); and Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, President of UPHSD.
In her remarks, Ms. Ang shared that while SMF has long been involved in supporting educational institutions and foundations, it was only last year that the foundation saw a unique opportunity to extend assistance to the Bureau of Corrections through the Bilibid Extension School. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to Justice Miranda and Gen. Catapang for bringing to light the urgent needs of the facility.
The newly transformed learning facility now stands as the latest San Miguel “Better World” initiative—Better World Bilibid—a partnership between SMF, BuCor, and UPHSD. The project is more than just a refurbishment; it symbolizes hope, restoration, and belief in second chances. “This is just the first part of SMF’s donation, which also includes brand-new computer units and other educational resources,” Ms. Ang noted. She inspired the students with a message of hope: “We believe in the power to change our lives. By September 2025, at graduation day, we hope you are ready to face the future.”
Guests were given a tour of the improved school facilities, including the library, faculty room, and classrooms equipped with new armchairs and smart TVs. The newly outfitted computer room now houses 50 brand new desktop units—further enabling digital learning and access to knowledge.
Dr. Anthony Tamayo expressed deep gratitude to the San Miguel Foundation for its generous support. “My heart is filled with profound gratitude. Your commitment to social responsibility and belief in the power of education to transform lives is truly inspiring,” he shared. Dr. Tamayo also acknowledged the long-standing partnership with BuCor, which spans 40 years—coinciding with the 40th founding anniversary of the Bilibid Extension School.
“This extension school stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to accessible and quality education for all. It is founded on the belief in second chances, in nurturing every individual’s potential, and in empowering persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to build brighter futures,” he said.
The turnover was made possible through a tripartite agreement signed in 2024 by San Miguel Corporation President Mr. Ramon S. Ang, who pledged SMF’s support for BuCor inmates.
Gen. Catapang hailed the partnership as “an answered prayer.” He emphasized the impact of the initiative: “This is a huge help to our PDLs—they can now study for free, and it accelerates their reintegration and eventual release. The name of the school says it all—University of Perpetual Help. It reminds us never to lose hope because perpetual help is always there.”
The event concluded with a tribute to seven distinguished alumni of the Bilibid Extension School in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
At present, the Bilibid Extension School continues its mission to bring education behind bars, with 124 college students, 98 senior high school students, and 37 faculty members actively engaged in teaching and learning.
This landmark project is a shining example of collaborative efforts in pursuit of restorative justice and transformative education.
Photos by: Mr. Dennis Abrina
