BUREAU of Corrections director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has met with Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) chief Glen Panganiban in a bid to enhance the agency’s commitment to support the government’s food security program by transforming its vacant lots into productive agricultural spaces and engage inmates in “meaningful work.”
Catapang sought Panganiban’s expertise on suitable plants for BuCor’s vast lands.
“We have massive resources of vacant lots in our operating and prison farms nationwide that we really intend to develop and this initiative presents a dual opportunity: enhancing productivity while also aiding rehabilitation, offering a pathway for inmates to reintegrate into society post-release with newfound skills and experience,” Catapang said.
The scheme aims to integrate persons deprived of liberty into this transformative process. By involving inmates as manpower, BuCor not only provides them with valuable skills, but also fosters a sense of purpose and contribution to society, Catapang added.
