Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. met with Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Glen Panganiban, Ph.D., on Monday to discuss turning vacant prison land into farms.
The move supports the government’s food security program and aims to give inmates productive work.
Catapang said he sought the help of Panganiban to identify the best crops to grow on BuCor’s wide land holdings.
“We have massive resources of vacant lots in our operating and prison farms nationwide that we really intend to develop,” Catapang said.
“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,” he explained.
The BuCor chief added that inmates will be part of the farming efforts, giving them useful skills and help them feel they are contributing to society.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Export Development Philip Young also joined the meeting via Zoom.
He said BuCor could help meet the demand in the horticulture market. He recommended planting crops that are both marketable and sustainable.
Panganiban said the BPI is ready to work with BuCor, adding the agency can provide the technology and advice needed to make the project a success.
He praised BuCor’s approach as a good example of innovation in government. Using idle land to grow food helps address food shortages and creates positive change, Panganiban said.
Catapang said the program will help change BuCor’s image.
“Through these initiatives, BuCor not only transforms its image but also significantly contributes to national goals, fostering a healthier society where rehabilitation and agricultural progress go hand in hand,” he said.