In a significant boost to inmate rehabilitation and sustainable agriculture, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 8 in Tacloban City today successfully concluded a comprehensive hydroponics technology training program.
This impactful initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office 8, specifically through its National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program, the City Agriculturist of Tacloban, the BJMP, and the expert guidance of Dr. Felix M. Salas and Dr. Rosario A. Salas, both distinguished professors from Visayas State University (VSU).
The training, held at the BJMP Region 8 facility, provided inmates with intensive, hands-on instruction in the principles and practice of hydroponic farming. Dr. Felix M. Salas and Dr. Rosario A. Salas, renowned for their academic and practical expertise from VSU, served as dynamic resource persons, imparting critical knowledge on system construction, nutrient delivery, environmental control, and crop cultivation techniques.
A highlight of the program was the turnover of essential start-up kits by the DA Regional Office 8’s National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program. Each kit included 15 pieces hydroponics box, 1 can lettuce seeds, nutrient solutiona, and 2 rolls of UV films, providing inmates with the immediate resources needed to apply their newly acquired skills and begin their own hydroponic gardens.
“This is more than just training; it’s an investment in the future of our inmates,” declared Jail Senior Superintendent Rill F. Sonon, Regional Director of BJMP Region 8. “With the invaluable expertise from VSU professors and the tangible support from the DA’s Urban Agriculture Program and the City Agriculturist, we are equipping them with sustainable skills and the tools to cultivate their own food and potential livelihoods upon reintegration.”
The multi-sectoral collaboration underscores a collective commitment to empowering individuals through education and practical skills. The provision of start-up kits ensures that the learning translates directly into action, fostering self-reliance and productivity.
“We are thrilled to see our National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program directly supporting such a vital initiative,” stated a representative from the DA Regional Office 8. “By providing these hydroponics kits, we are not only promoting food security but also offering a pathway for economic empowerment to a vulnerable sector of our community.”
Dr. Felix M. Salas remarked, “Witnessing the enthusiasm of the inmates has been truly rewarding. Hydroponics offers a practical solution for growing fresh produce in limited spaces, and we believe this knowledge, coupled with the provided kits, will be a game-changer for them.” Dr. Rosario A. Salas added, “Our goal is to empower them to become successful urban farmers, contributing positively to their families and communities.”
This hydroponics technology training, complete with essential start-up kits, reinforces BJMP’s dedication to providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs, ensuring inmates are not only prepared for release but are also equipped with viable skills and resources to build sustainable and productive lives.
