Inmates benefit from DA, DOJ project

A special joint project of the Department of Agriculture with the Department of Justice providing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) livelihood and farm training inside prison camps, called the DAxDOJ Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security DAxDOJ RISE has been benefitting inmates who are now more confident about having a livelihood after their release.

“Paglabas ko po dito, magagamit ko ang mga natutunan ko sa pagtatanim para makapamuhay ako nang maayos.”

PDL “Kamote” as he is referred to, 40, said, joined his peers recently in a harvest festival within the 4.5 hectare demo farm in Iwahig Prison and Penal Colony in Palawan last December 7..

He explained that Phase 1 of the program, which began in July, trained them to be responsible individuals and productive farmers. After a five-month hands-on training, he is hopeful of a better life after prison.

“Kamote” is one of 70 inmates trained by the DA and private sector partners on efficient farm systems for the production of rice and various vegetables. He says he enjoys doing farm work.

“Imbes na mag-isip po ako ng kung anu-ano, dito nalilibang na ako, naihahanda ko pa ang sarili ko paglabas ko,” he said while eagerly awaiting release.

The RISE Project is among the government initiatives towards the reformation of PDLs aimed at contributing to the country’s food security agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Plant Industry Director Glenn Panganiban delivered a message on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francsico P. Tiu Laurel, during the harvest festival saying “lahat tayo ay nagkakaisa upang masiguro na may pagkain ang pamilyang Pilipino.”

Laurel also stressed that the DA is keen on modernizing Philippine agriculture from production to processing to minimize importations.

He said under his leadership, the DA will adopt modern innovations and technologies to increase production and improve prices of various agricultural commodities.

“We will reform and prepare you for your re-integration into society. You are now farmers para sa masaganang bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

Panganiban thanked the private sector for continuously supporting DA’s projects saying that the partnership has led to successful and meaningful collaborations towards entrepreneurship and modern farming technology.

“Hindi po kaya ng gobyerno ang lahat. Let us work together,” he stressed.

Panganiban also encouraged PDLs to embrace technology and innovation being promoted by DA.

“Let us expand our production areas and modernize our farming system towards sustainable food production,” he said.

The private seed companies, which include Mench Fil-Am Corporation, FA Greenseeds Corporation, SL Agritech Corporation Enviroscope Synergy, Ramgo Seeds, International Company, Enza Zaden Philippines, have fully supported the RISE Project since its kick-off. They vowed to remain steadfast partners of the national government.

“We will continue to provide support and assistance, as we share your vision of a food secure nation,” the seed companies said.

The second phase of the RISE Project under the 2024 development plan will cover a total of 500 hectares of Iwahig’s property and will include cashew, corn and rice production, a tilapia pond, and areas for livestock raising and pasture.