Catapang launches Kadiwa in Munti

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. yesterday launched its own Kadiwa Pop Up Store inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City geared at helping the government in its efforts to provide the public with basic commodities at affordable prices.

Catapang said the KADIWA store will sell vegetables, fruits, eggs, sugar, dried and smoked fish and eventually rice on a daily basis.

KADIWA store is only the beginning, Catapang said, adding that he is eyeing the NBP reservations to be utilized as "Pambansang Bagsakan ng Bigas para sa Mamamayan or PBBM."

The NBP location is suitable and accessible for food terminal and government center in the southern part of Manila especially now that the North Luzon Expressway is connected with the South Luzon Expressway.

"I want our persons deprived of liberties to be relevant and sustainable by teaching them how to farm and to grow their own food and at the same time help the government in its food security program,"  Catapang said.

He added the government is spending P120,000 per PDL annually so I want the PDL to give back to the community through farming.

Citing the recent signing of the memorandum of agreement for the development and rehabilitation of arable land within Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan between the Department of Justice, BuCor and DA, Catapang said that it was in support to a sustainable environment for food production amidst challenges of food security.

The project aims to engage and implement agro-industrial projects through the development of land areas and resources into productive agricultural camps or food production centers to contribute to the country's food security; provide the PDLs with appropriate training to equip them with the needed capability for their means of livelihood in preparation for their reintegration into society and their families; provide the PDLs rehabilitation through agricultural production training, horticultural therapy, and vocational gardening under the BuCor's Work and Livelihood Program; enhance the PDLs and other members of the community's food sufficiency, meal nutrition and dietary qualities with a year-round, mass-produced and sustainable harvest of fruits and vegetables.