THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED BY BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY'S IN BARANGAY BAGONG SILANGAN QUEZON CITY: AN ASSESSMENT

Abstract

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has initiated various community outreach programs aimed at crime prevention, rehabilitation of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), and the promotion of public safety. These initiatives include reformation activities, spiritual and moral development, and community involvement strategies designed to reduce recidivism and foster reintegration. This study assesses the effectiveness of these programs in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, with a focus on their social impact and implementation challenges. A quantitative research design was employed to evaluate the impact of BJMP’s outreach programs. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants: 40 residents, 5 barangay officials, and 5 BJMP officers. Data collection was conducted through structured survey questionnaires, administered in person with prior approval from relevant authorities, including the Dean of the Criminology Department. The gathered data were tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted to assess perceptions of program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The results indicated that the therapeutic modality program was particularly effective in improving the mental health of discharged PDLs and aiding their reintegration into society. The Adopt-a-Jail Program was commended for enhancing interaction between the community and former inmates, fostering empathy and social acceptance. Among the spiritual initiatives, the interfaith dialogue program received the highest recognition for promoting cultural sensitivity and religious tolerance. Despite these positive outcomes, respondents emphasized the need to improve collaboration between BJMP personnel and barangay officials. Additional concerns included limited public awareness, lack of community participation among vulnerable groups, and resource constraints that hinder program sustainability. The findings suggest that BJMP’s community outreach programs contribute meaningfully to rehabilitation and community safety; however, certain operational areas require strengthening. To maximize effectiveness, the study recommends enhanced inter-agency coordination, continued officer training, and stronger partnerships with local government units and non-governmental organizations. The implementation of tracking systems and expanded efforts to reduce social stigma are also advised. Future research should investigate long-term program outcomes and comparative assessments across multiple communities to establish best practices for reintegration and crime prevention.