PDLs grow food thru hydroponics

The Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) is pioneering hydroponics for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to provide them with livelihood when they are released.

DPFF’s PDLs and warden are growing vegetables and fruits in a greenhouse with hydroponics system that the Department of Agriculture (DA) helped set up and fund. The greenhouse was turned over by DA Region 11 officials to the DPFF last 29 July.

Built at a cost of P1.5 million, the greenhouse with hydroponics serves as a climate-smart and resource-efficient farming technique that maximizes year-round vegetable production.

The project was initiated through the Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment/Agriculture for Food Security (RISE) partnership between the DA and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). RISE aims to equip inmates with practical livelihood skills to aid in their rehabilitation while boosting local food production.

“This project reflects our commitment to expanding access to modern, climate-resilient agricultural technologies while supporting the government’s broader goals of food security,” according to DA 11 regional executive director Macario D. Gonzaga.

DPPF acting superintendent Abel DR Ciruela called the facility a “first of its kind” for BuCor and pledged to fully utilize the project for the inmates’ benefit.

PDLs can acquire modern urban farming competencies from the facility to support their reintegration into society upon release.