Stories & Updates

The Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) MIMAROPA Region and the Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) – School of Criminal Justice Education formally strengthened their institutional partnership through a collaborative meeting and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Practicum/Education Training Program for Criminal Justice Education students.

The discussion and signing were led by Dr. Janenovelle A. Cuenca, RCrim, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice Education of Divine Word College of Calapan, in coordination with Regional Officer-in-Charge Bennyrose D. Arnecilla, RSW, and Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Ivan D. Loisaga, RCrim, representing the DOJ–Parole and Probation Administration MIMAROPA. The engagement focused on aligning academic objectives with institutional requirements to ensure the effective implementation of the practicum program.

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a formal framework for the conduct of practicum and educational training activities, allowing students of the DWCC School of Criminal Justice Education to gain practical exposure to the programs, services, and operations of the Parole and Probation Administration. The partnership is intended to enhance students’ learning through actual field experience in community-based corrections, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiatives.

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA Region and the Divine Word College of Calapan to promote quality criminal justice education by integrating theoretical instruction with practical application. Through this initiative, both institutions aim to contribute to the development of competent, ethical, and service-oriented future criminal justice professionals while supporting the agency’s mandate of effective community supervision and restorative justice.

A significant step toward strengthening rehabilitative justice and social protection was realized through the successful collaborative meeting between the Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), MIMAROPA Region and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), MIMAROPA Region. The engagement marks the beginning of a strengthened inter-agency partnership aimed at delivering coordinated, inclusive, and responsive services to probationers, parolees, and other clients under community-based rehabilitation.

The meeting formally established a shared framework that aligns justice interventions with social welfare support systems, ensuring that individuals undergoing community supervision are provided with holistic opportunities for reintegration. Through this initiative, both agencies recognized that rehabilitation extends beyond legal compliance—it requires social empowerment, economic stability, and sustained community support.

Under the leadership of Regional Officer-in-Charge Bennyrose D. Arnecilla, RSW, with the strong support of Officer-in-Charge–Assistant Regional Director Ivan D. Loisaga, the PPA MIMAROPA continues to pursue collaborative strategies that promote restorative justice. The partnership gained further momentum through the active engagement of DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzalez and Assistant Regional Director for Operations Sheila S. Tapia, whose commitment to social protection programs ensures that essential government services reach clients and their families.

During the meeting, both agencies discussed strategic mechanisms to link clients under community supervision to various social welfare interventions, including livelihood assistance, family development services, psychosocial support, and other protective programs designed to address socio-economic vulnerabilities. By integrating supervision programs with accessible social services, the collaboration aims to strengthen the rehabilitation pipeline and promote long-term reintegration success.

This partnership highlights the government’s unified approach in addressing the complex needs of individuals seeking a fresh start. Recognizing that reintegration is a shared responsibility, both PPA and DSWD reaffirmed their commitment to building sustainable support systems that foster accountability while promoting dignity, equity, and social inclusion.

Moreover, the collaboration serves as a model for inter-agency synergy, demonstrating how coordinated governance can produce meaningful and transformative outcomes for communities. By bridging correctional supervision with social welfare programs, the initiative helps ensure that clients are not only guided toward lawful behavior but are also empowered to rebuild their lives as productive and responsible members of society.

As the partnership moves forward, both agencies envision the development of more structured referral systems, enhanced program accessibility, and strengthened community-based support networks. The initiative underscores a fundamental principle: effective rehabilitation requires compassion, cooperation, and a collective commitment to restoring lives.

From supervision to social protection, and from correction to restoration, the collaboration between PPA and DSWD MIMAROPA exemplifies justice that is grounded in humanity. It is a testament that when government institutions link arms, second chances are not merely promised—they are made possible.

The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) – MIMAROPA Region, led by Regional Officer-in-Charge (ROIC) Bennyrose D. Arnecilla, together with Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director (OIC-ARD) Ivan D. Loisaga, paid a courtesy call on DOLE MIMAROPA Regional Director Naomi Lyn C. Abellana and Assistant Regional Director Emerito A. Narag, Ph.D., on January 21, 2026 to discuss collaborative programs benefiting both PPA personnel and clients.

The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency partnership through the implementation of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) programs aligned with the rehabilitation and reintegration mandate of the Parole and Probation Administration. Among the programs discussed were the Government Internship Program (GIP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which are set to support probationers, parolees, pardonees, and PPA offices across the region.

The discussion was facilitated with the assistance of Chief Labor and Employment Officer Loreta D. Catapang, TSSD Chief, who provided guidance on program implementation and coordination mechanisms to ensure effective delivery of services.

The courtesy call highlights the commitment of PPA MIMAROPA Region and DOLE MIMAROPA to sustain collaborative efforts that promote employment opportunities, skills development, and administrative support, ultimately contributing to the successful reintegration of clients and the strengthening of community-based corrections.

The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) – MIMAROPA Region, currently led by Regional Officer-in-Charge (ROIC) Bennyrose D. Arnecilla, together with Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director (OIC-ARD) Ivan D. Loisaga, and the personnel of the Calapan City Parole and Probation Office (PPO), conducted a courtesy call with Hon. Judge Josephine C. Caranzo, Executive Judge and Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39, Calapan City, on January 20, 2026.

The courtesy call aimed to strengthen coordination and reinforce institutional collaboration between the judiciary and the Parole and Probation Administration in the delivery of probation and parole services. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in court-related processes, information sharing, and sustained support for community-based corrections.

Judge Caranzo welcomed the officials and expressed her appreciation for the continued partnership, emphasizing the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration in ensuring the effective administration of justice. She likewise welcomed ROIC Bennyrose D. Arnecilla as the new Officer-in-Charge of the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA Region and conveyed her support for the region’s continuing programs and initiatives.

The activity underscores the commitment of the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA Region to maintain productive working relationships with the courts and other justice sector partners in pursuit of its mandate.

ROIC Bennyrose D. Arnecilla, RSW and OIC-ARD Ivan D. Loisaga, together with the personnel of the Oriental Mindoro Province Parole and Probation Office and the Calapan City Parole and Probation Office, formally paid a courtesy call to Hon. Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor, Governor of Oriental Mindoro.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss matters relevant to the operations and long-term institutional development of the DOJ-Parole and Probation Administration in the province. Among the key concerns raised was the allocation of lots for government offices within the Regional Government Center, which is envisioned to accommodate national government agencies.

During the discussion, Governor Dolor advised the preparation and submission of a formal proposal for the construction of the Regional Office and the Calapan City Parole and Probation Office. He emphasized that adequate office infrastructure is vital to improving accessibility, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing the delivery of justice-related services to clients and stakeholders.

The courtesy call further reaffirmed the strong working relationship between the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro and the Parole and Probation Administration. Both parties expressed their commitment to sustained coordination and collaboration to support institutional strengthening, effective program implementation, and the advancement of responsive public service in the province.

Another remarkable moment during the visit of the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA personnel to the Department of Justice on November 17, 2025 was the opportunity to meet and hear directly from the newly appointed Secretary of Justice, Hon. Fredderick A. Vida, who had taken his oath of office earlier that same day. It was a rare privilege for the DOJ-PPA workforce, as Secretary Vida addressed the entire MIMAROPA Region during one of his very first official engagements.

Secretary Vida expressed his pleasure in meeting the men and women of MIMAROPA and conveyed his encouragement as they continue to uphold the values and mission of the Parole and Probation Administration. His warm words set an inspiring tone, affirming his commitment to strengthening the department’s support for agencies under its umbrella.

Regional Director Dr. Janette S. Padua, responded by expressing profound gratitude for the consistent consideration and support extended by the DOJ to PPA MIMAROPA. She shared the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments of the region, highlighting how departmental guidance and swift assistance have significantly shaped its progress. RD Padua emphasized that such support has greatly boosted employee morale, motivation, and confidence—allowing the region to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Through the sustained backing of the Department of Justice, PPA MIMAROPA has achieved notable milestones, emerging as one of the top-performing regions in the agency. Beyond performance, the region has also excelled in budget utilization, demonstrating efficient and responsible use of resources in support of its mandate.

The presence and message of Secretary Fredderick A. Vida on the very day of his appointment served as an inspiring testament to the DOJ’s commitment to its personnel. The MIMAROPA team left the courtesy call with renewed motivation and a heightened sense of pride, grateful for the unique opportunity to be among the Secretary’s first audiences on his inaugural day in office.

On November 17, 2025, the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA personnel visited the Department of Justice for a courtesy call to Undersecretary Deo L. Marco, a meaningful engagement that highlighted the longstanding partnership between his office and DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA. The Undersecretary warmly welcomed the team and offered heartfelt words of inspiration to the men and women of the region. He expressed his appreciation in seeing new faces in the service and conveyed his satisfaction with the agency’s strengthened hiring and recruitment efforts, which he noted as vital to sustaining a competent and service-driven workforce.

Regional Director Dr. Janette S. Padua, expressed profound gratitude to Undersecretary Marco for the unwavering support extended to DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA over the past three years. Under her leadership, the Region has consistently benefitted from the Undersecretary’s encouragement, guidance, and backing—especially in supporting the conduct of regional activities, capacity-building efforts, and organizational development initiatives. RD Padua emphasized that this support has played a crucial role in strengthening the region’s performance and morale.

She likewise introduced the newly promoted Chief Probation and Parole Officers, highlighting how their achievements reflect the agency’s growing opportunities for career advancement. Their promotions, she noted, serve as motivation for other personnel to aspire, grow, and continue delivering exemplary public service.

The courtesy call also provided an opportunity for the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA personnel to personally express their appreciation to Undersecretary Marco. Those present shared how his leadership and support have positively influenced their professional journeys and contributed to a more empowered and cohesive workforce. Many acknowledged that because of this sustained support from his office, DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA has consistently achieved recognition as a top-performing region, a milestone made possible through the shared commitment between the regional leadership and the DOJ.

Adding to the warm reception, other distinguished members of the DOJ workforce extended brief but meaningful messages of support. Assistant Secretary Francis John Tejano, Assistant Secretary Majken Anika S. Gran-Ong, Atty. Lance Bernadette Basa, and Prosecution Attorney Eugene T. Yusi each offered words of encouragement, affirming the region’s accomplishments and inspiring the team to continue upholding excellence in public service.

The courtesy call concluded with renewed motivation among the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA personnel—strengthened by the recognition, support, and encouragement from DOJ leadership, and united in their commitment to sustain the region’s legacy of high performance and service excellence.

The DOJ–Parole and Probation Administration MIMAROPA Region reaffirmed its commitment to accessible and humane justice as it conducted an Information Drive and Jail Decongestion Activity on November 17, 2025, at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. The initiative formed part of the Region’s support to the nationwide observance of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week and the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, alongside its continuing GAD and wellness initiatives.

The event was warmly hosted by the CIW administration under the leadership of CT/SUPT MARJORIE ANN P. SANIDAD, MD RN, FIAMS, Acting Superintendent, who welcomed the DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA and expressed appreciation for the Region’s long-standing efforts to provide legal information and rehabilitation support to women PDL.

Representing the agency, Dr. JANETTE S. PADUA, CESO V, Regional Director of DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of ensuring that incarcerated women remain informed of their legal rights and opportunities for reintegration. She highlighted the agency’s mission to empower PDL individuals through knowledge, compassion, and responsive correctional programs.

One of the central components of the activity was an information drive designed to clarify legal processes often misunderstood or inaccessible to PDL women.

• CPPO EVANGELINE LEBANTE (Palawan Parole and Probation Office No. 1) provided a clear and practical discussion on the salient features of probation, helping PDL residents understand eligibility, procedures, and the rehabilitative nature of probation as a community-based alternative.
  
  

• CPPO EUFRACIO M. MACALALAD (Occidental Mindoro Parole and Probation Office) explained the processes of parole and executive clemency, breaking down each step to ensure the women understood the requirements and timelines involved.

As part of the agency’s commitment to humane and lawful jail decongestion, interviews were conducted with PDL women from MIMAROPA to assess possible eligibility for parole, or executive clemency. Personnel from various PPOs worked collaboratively to ensure that interviews were conducted systematically, sympathetically, and with full consideration of each PDL’s personal circumstances.

To reinforce its gender-responsive and wellness initiatives, DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA also carried out a gift-giving activity for vulnerable PDL women. The gesture was directed especially toward elderly, medically vulnerable, or unsupported inmates—reflecting the agency’s commitment to compassion and holistic rehabilitation.

The Region extended its gratitude to CT/SUPT MARJORIE ANN P. SANIDAD and the entire CIW administration for their unwavering support, warm accommodation, and continued partnership in advancing restorative justice programs for women PDL.

The activity concluded with closing words from OIC/SPPO IVAN D. LOISAGA (Calapan City Parole and Probation Office), who acknowledged the collective effort of all officers and emphasized the importance of sustaining collaborative initiatives that uplift lives and promote second chances.

Through this initiative, DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating a justice system that is compassionate, gender-responsive, and anchored in human dignity.

August 14, 2025

The DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA IV-B conducted the Online Orientation of the PRIME-HRM Process on August 14, 2025, attended by all personnel from the MIMAROPA Region. The activity was graced by Director Janette S. Padua and featured Dr. Maria Teresa R. Poblador of the Civil Service Commission as the resource speaker.

This session served as an initial overview of the PRIME-HRM framework, providing participants with a general understanding of its objectives, structure, and application in the public sector. Dr. Poblador discussed the maturity levels and proficiency indicators used to assess HR systems, as well as the four core HR systems—recruitment, engagement, performance management, and rewards and recognition—that form the backbone of PRIME-HRM implementation. She also outlined the “three lenses” of assessment—systems, practices, and competencies—and how these contribute to building a strategic and sustainable approach to human resource management.

While the discussion covered the foundational concepts of PRIME-HRM, the orientation also set the stage for subsequent activities and in-depth sessions that will focus on the practical steps needed to meet higher maturity level requirements. These include self-assessment, documentation, process integration, and the development of targeted action plans.

Director Janette S. Padua expressed her full commitment to achieving the next PRIME-HRM maturity level, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, continuous improvement, and alignment with the Civil Service Commission’s standards. She affirmed that DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA IV-B will actively collaborate with CSC and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the program’s next phases.

The DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA IV-B underscores its serious dedication to advancing transparent, efficient, and people-centered HR systems, fully aligned with the PRIME-HRM vision of fostering meritocracy and excellence in public service.

The Parole and Probation Administration Region IV-B – MIMAROPA, under the exemplary leadership of Regional Director Dr. Janette S. Padua and the joint efforts of PPA-IVB workforce, with GOD's GRACE, proudly emerged as one of the most highly recognized regional offices during the 49th Anniversary Celebration of the DOJ-PPA held on August 07, 2025

The region brought home four major national awards, testifying to its strong operational performance and commitment to restorative justice:

🔹 Pinnacle Regional Excellence Award
Awarded to DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA as the Overall Top Performing Region with Minimal to Average Caseload for CY 2024—an acknowledgment of its consistent efficiency in probation and parole service delivery.

🔹 Excellence in Regional Fiscal Stewardship Award
Recognized for achieving a 100% budget utilization rate, this award underscores the region’s sound fiscal management and accountability under the direction of Dr. Padua.

🔹 Trailblazing Investigative Services Award
The region topped the country in Investigation Disposition and Efficiency, taking 1st place, and setting a benchmark in investigative procedures and timeliness.

🔹 Regional Vanguard Award in Supervision Services
Ranking 2nd Best in Clients’ Compliance and Supervision Termination Efficiency, this recognition reflects the region’s success in rehabilitating justice-involved individuals through effective community-based supervision.

These accomplishments are a testament to the visionary leadership of Dr. Janette S. Padua and the collective excellence of the officers and staff of DOJ-PPA MIMAROPA. Through strategic direction, dedication, and teamwork, the region continues to uplift the lives of clients across the MIMAROPA Region.

Congratulations to the whole PPA MIMAROPA family for this remarkable achievement!