THE Religious Education Department, in partnership with the Institutional Community Involvement Center (ICIC), launched the immersion program, “KaPaTid: Kasama Pa rin ang haTid” for students enrolled in the theology subject, GEN-ET (Ethics: Being and Society). 

        Theology professor, Sir Mark Cañete explained that the visit to the New Bilibid Prison is a collaborative effort with the ICIC and various departments within the Tertiary Schools.  “The collaborative effort aims to bring a meaningful and ethical engagement with the community, emphasizing the theme of unity and support,” Prof. Cañete said. 

        The immersion happened at the New Bilibid Prison Medium Security camp where the students interacted with Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). Due to the restrictions set by the New Bilibid Prison and to ensure the safety of the students, immersion was conducted in small groups depending on the class size. The immersion program had three visit dates: April 22, May 3, and May 20. 

        Before the visit, not knowing what to expect, various students were nervous and excited to go to Bilibid. According to Prof. Cañete, through the visit, “Students could challenge their preconceived notions and better understand the nuanced nature of right and wrong.” 

        During the program, the students were able to speak, bond, and learn from the PDLs while sharing a meal with them. Exemplifying the Bedan core value of Community, the students donated various sports materials such as volleyballs, basketballs, table tennis equipment, and even various board games. 

        Emphasizing the importance of activities such as immersion, Prof. Cañete described that these types of initiatives are crucial because they are aligned with the core values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility.  He further explained that conducting an immersion aligns the students to be faithful to Jesus Christ’s mandate of visiting prisoners. “The direct interaction with Persons Deprived of Liberty in the Medium Security camp serves several educational and ethical purposes, ” he said. 

        Showcasing their talents, a group of PDLs presented a song and dance presentation to the students and faculty of San Beda. Each class also presented their song and dance numbers, others even played instruments, entertaining the PDLs and the administration of the New Bilibid Prison. As part of the program, representatives from the students and PDLs shared their short testimonies on their interactions, explaining how their experience was a blessing for them. 

        Looking ahead to the next school year, Prof. Cañete said, “The Religious Education Department is committed to making the Bilibid immersion activity a regular part of the academic calendar.”

        Reflecting, the theology professor believes the said program initiated by the Religious Education Department was a “transformative experience that reinforced the values of empathy, forgiveness, and moral discernment” which aligned the students to the church’s moral principles and understanding of the dignity of every person.