Learn about our history, purpose, and values
Our Story
Our History
Tracing the Roots
The Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS) was established in 1994 when the Society of Jesus recognized the prison service that was started by Fr. Victor Labao at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City as an official apostolate of its Philippine Province.
Its involvement inside the National Penitentiary was initially pastoral and sacramental in nature. Active engagement in the ministry, however, led Jesuit priests and volunteers to also work in whatever program and service that could best help in the holistic development of the inmates.
Serving as an NGO
In 1995, hence, PJPS was enlisted as a non-stock non-profit organization at the Securities and Exchange Commission. As the institution slowly evolved as it responded to the needs of the prison community, the organization was re-incorporated in 2007 as there was an increasing need to be more organized, structured, and formal. This helped PJPS to be more effective in the development work inside the national penitentiary. It was also a move to step up efforts to raise funds that will ensure the financial sustainability of the organization and the continuation of its programs.
In 2012, the organization was accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Social Welfare (community-based) Agency. Later in 2018, DSWD issued a Certificate of Accreditation to PJPS for having satisfactorily complied with the First Level standards in the implementation of community-based programs and services for children, youth, inmates, families and communities.
Our Purpose
Empowering Inmates
As a non-government organization, the main purpose of PJPS is to provide service to the corrections community, particularly the Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa City. The Jesuit priests work hand in hand with volunteers, benefactors, and Bureau employees towards alleviating the condition of inmates, advocating reforms, and empowering the inmates in preparation for future reintegration to society.
With the help of generous benefactors and partner institutions, PJPS is currently able to provide health care and help with the paralegal needs of the inmates, implement various spiritual and pastoral formation programs to the prison community, provide scholarship to the children of inmates, and conduct other services that attempt to help in the total rehabilitation of inmates and their families.
Vision
PJPS envisions a society that rebuilds lives, rekindles hope, and restores dignity in all those affected by incarceration.
Mission
PJPS is a ministry that shares the transforming love and mercy of God through the holistic rehabilitation of incarcerated persons, their families, and the prison community as a whole.
Our Values
Core Values
PJPS is a social apostolate of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. It is therefore, inherent that there be formation instilled in the programs of the foundation as these are what support the vision, shape the culture, and reflect what we as ministry value. The Core values serve as principles that guide the foundation towards the attainment of its goals.
Godliness
We SEEK God in all things and in all circumstances. We express our faith by being Christ-like in thoughts, words, and deeds.
Gratefulness
We SEE God in all things and in all circumstances. We appreciate both blessings and difficulties.
Generosity
We SHARE God who is in all things and in all circumstances. We freely and joyfully give our time, talent,
and treasure.