To boost food security and self-sufficiency among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) MIMAROPA has launched the "HAPAG (Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay) sa Barangay Project."

According to BJMP regional information officer, Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, the initiative encourages jail facilities to utilize vacant spaces for urban gardening. This allows PDLs to grow their own food while learning sustainable agriculture practices.

“The mandate of the BJMP is to ensure that it responds to the well-being of PDLs. It urges all its facilities, especially those with vacant lots to plant and help jail residents to at least have food for daily sustenance,” Anglo said.

In line with this, BJMP-Puerto Princesa City Jail Male Dormitory showcased its mini garden, where inmates can plant and harvest fresh vegetables.

Similarly, BJMP-San Jose District Jail developed an urban organic garden, growing eggplants, basil, bottle gourd (upo), tomatoes, chili peppers (sili labuyo), and bitter gourd (ampalaya).

Jail Senior Superintendent Clarence Mayangao, BJMP Mimaropa director, said the agency is committed to the program to address food insecurity at the grassroots level.

“We really commit to this program and work together on the implementation of the planting initiatives down to the jail units in the region to ensure sufficient quality food sources in the BJMP manned jail facilities,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) supports the project by providing technical assistance, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) offers training and logistical support.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)