The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XII (DOST XII), under the visionary leadership of Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, PhD, was conferred the BJMP Special Award during the celebration of the 35th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on July 1, 2026, at the QC M.I.C.E., Diliman, Quezon City.
The prestigious recognition stands as a manifestation of DOST XII’s unwavering commitment in advancing science, technology, and innovation in transforming lives and empowering communities – including Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) – through sustainable and inclusive development initiatives.
The award recognizes the Department’s exemplary partnership with the BJMP through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, which has successfully integrated science-based interventions within jail facilities across SOCCSKSARGEN. These initiatives have provided PDLs with opportunities for livelihood development, access to clean and safe water, environmental stewardship, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and educational resources, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills as they prepare for successful reintegration into society.
Notably, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN is the first regional office in the entire DOST System to establish a formal partnership with the BJMP through the CEST Program, setting a benchmark for collaborative, science-driven rehabilitation initiatives nationwide. Today, all Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) in the region have ongoing and impactful projects with their respective BJMP facilities, reflecting the Department’s sustained commitment to extending the benefits of science and technology to underserved and marginalized sectors.
Among its most notable accomplishments is the partnership with the BJMP General Santos City Male Dormitory, which was recognized as the National Best CEST Community in 2025 – a milestone that exemplifies the transformative impact of DOST’s interventions in correctional institutions.
More than an institutional recognition, the BJMP Special Award affirms DOST XII’s steadfast pursuit of inclusive development by empowering individuals with opportunities for productivity, self-reliance, and social reintegration. Through science-based interventions, the Department continues to contribute to reducing recidivism, promoting economic empowerment, enhancing community resilience, and ultimately strengthening public safety.
The distinction was formally conferred by JCSUPT Dennis U. Rocamora, CESE, Deputy Administrator of the Jail Bureau and Officer-in-Charge of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, in recognition of DOST XII’s invaluable contributions to advancing BJMP’s rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
As DOST XII continues to champion science for the people, this recognition further inspires the Department to strengthen partnerships, expand transformative innovations, and remain steadfast in its mission of bringing the benefits of science, technology, and innovation to every Filipino – leaving no community behind.