The Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao Region) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) have partnered to enhance food security and sustainability for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Davao del Norte province, an official said Thursday.
In a statement, DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga said a memorandum of agreement was signed Wednesday to establish a greenhouse and provide a PHP1.8-million hand tractor to the BuCor-Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Braulio E. Dujali town.
“DA-11 is committed to providing high-quality vegetable seeds for production and educating recipients on proper cultural management techniques for hydroponic vegetable cultivation,” Gonzaga said.
The initiative, part of the Reformation Initiative for a Sustainable Environment for Food Security (RISE) Project, aims to transform idle lands within BuCor’s prison reservations into productive agricultural areas. This will contribute to food security while offering reform opportunities for PDLs.
Acting Superintendent of Corrections, Chief Inspector Edgardo Mendoza Jr., noted the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals for the welfare and rehabilitation of PDLs.
He said recipients would receive training in food production, agriculture, and farm management, equipping them with skills to sustain their food and income sources. (PNA)
