Send-Off Ceremony of baLAYA Batch 2

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

baLAYA ni Lolo Kiko, Muntinlupa City

Hope was once again made visible as the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. gathered for the Send Off Ceremony of baLAYA Batch 2 at baLAYA ni Lolo Kiko. The celebration brought together BuCor officials, Board of Trustees members, baLAYA mentors, benefactors, volunteers, staff, and partners who have journeyed with our brothers as they prepare to embrace a new chapter of freedom, healing, and restored dignity.

The ceremony began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Erwin F. Arandia, SJ together with Rev. Dom Joseph B. Bulan, SJ. Gathered in prayer were BuCor officials, Board of Trustees members, baLAYA mentors, benefactors, volunteers, staff, and partners who have accompanied our brothers on their journey of healing and restoration.

During his homily, Fr. Bok beautifully compared the graduates to housemates in the well known television program PBB or Pinoy Big Brother. But in baLAYA, he shared, PBB takes on a deeper and more meaningful message: “Pag asa sa Bagong Buhay.” Beyond entertainment, their stories reflect real struggles, real transformation, and real hope for a new life grounded in faith, dignity, and community.

The celebration became a powerful witness to how God continues to work in the lives of our formerly incarcerated brothers through accompaniment, compassion, and mercy.

One by one, the graduates courageously shared their stories of struggle, transformation, and renewed faith.

For Kaizer, baLAYA became a place where he encountered care, dignity, and belonging. He shared,

“Dumating akong walang-wala, lalabas akong lulang-lula. Dito ako natutong magpasalamat sa mga maliliit na bagay.”

(I came here with nothing, and I leave overwhelmed with gratitude. Here, I learned to be thankful for the little things.)

From receiving clothes and necessities to experiencing simple moments of companionship, he discovered gratitude in the smallest things.

A graduate of RePro Batch 4, Onyok, shared that while he first heard about RePro as a place full of blessings, he eventually discovered that the greatest blessing was finding God once again in his life. He recalled,

“Sabi sa akin, ‘Sama ka lang diyan, maraming biyaya.’ Pero bukod sa physical na biyaya, ang pinakamahalagang biyaya ay natagpuan ko ulit ang Diyos sa buhay ko.”

(They told me, ‘Just join because there are many blessings there.’ But beyond the material blessings, the greatest blessing was finding God again in my life.)

Through baLAYA ni Lolo Kiko, he learned values that transformed him deeply. With conviction, he declared,

“Proud akong sabihin na ito na ako ngayon, wala na yung dating ako.”

(I am proud to say that this is who I am now. The person I used to be is gone.)

Vincent reflected on the painful reality of incarceration and shared,

“Mahirap makulong. Doon mo makikilala ang totoong sarili mo at kung sino ka.”

(“It is difficult to be imprisoned. It is there where you truly come to know yourself and who you are.”)

Meanwhile, Rapper thanked the community for restoring their hope and for the countless forms of support extended to them spiritually, emotionally, and materially. He shared,

“Binigyan niyo kami ng pag asa. Lahat ng suporta niyo ay hindi namin makakalimutan.”

(You gave us hope. We will never forget all the support you have given us.)

He also shared his dream of one day returning to prison facilities,

“Hindi bilang bilanggo pero upang makatulong sa mga kapatid naming nasa piitan.”

(Not as a prisoner, but to help our brothers and sisters who are still incarcerated.)

In his message, PJPS incoming Executive Director, Atty. Philip “Ipe” Gan, reminded the graduates that the promises of the Lord remain true even after thousands of years. He described the graduates as living testaments of God’s faithfulness and challenged them to let the light God has given them shine brightly before others. He encouraged them to continue attending Mass and to remain rooted in prayer, reminding everyone that

“Sa misa, ang langit at lupa ay nagiging isa.”

(In the Mass, heaven and earth become one.)

The Send Off Ceremony of baLAYA Batch 2 was not simply a farewell. It was a celebration of restored hope, renewed faith, healing, and the transformative power of accompaniment. Behind every story is a community that chose compassion over judgment and mercy over condemnation.

As these brothers step into a new beginning, PJPS continues to walk with them in faith and hope, believing that every person is capable of change when given love, guidance, and the opportunity to rise again.

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Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Meet Juno, our beloved pawriend at baLAYA ni Lolo Kiko! 🐾 Full of energy and charm, Juno loves running around, asking for scratches, and welcoming everyone with his playful spirit. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning home to baLAYA, expect Juno to greet you with excitement and warmth. Drop by baLAYA and spend some time with our furry little companion. Juno will surely make your visit even brighter! 🐶