Naujan: Twenty persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Naujan District Jail completed a 10-day organic farming training to enhance their agricultural skills and improve their livelihood opportunities upon reintegration into society.

According to Philippines News Agency, the training, held from June 1 to 10, was conducted through the joint efforts of the jail facility, the local government unit of Naujan, Colegio de Naujan, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Naujan East. Of the 20 participants, 19 were male, and one was female. The training was facilitated by Demetria H. Mauro, an AA1 Outreach Trainer.

Participants engaged in hands-on learning activities, including establishing a vegetable garden, producing organic solid fertilizers, and preparing organic farming inputs such as Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) and Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), which are commonly used in sustainable farming practices.

Acting District Jail Warden Jail Senior Inspector Herman Jose Madrigal said the training forms part of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology's (BJMP) rehabilitation and development programs designed to equip PDLs with practical skills that could help them become productive members of society after their release. "The program provides our PDLs with knowledge and skills that they can use to generate livelihood opportunities and contribute positively to their communities in the future," Madrigal said.

BJMP Mimaropa spokesperson JO3 Joefrie Anglo, meanwhile, said livelihood and skills development initiatives remain integral to the agency's rehabilitation efforts. "Skills training gives PDLs an opportunity to rebuild their lives by developing competencies that can support employment, livelihood, and self-sufficiency after release," Anglo said. He said the program also promotes discipline, responsibility, and environmental awareness among participants while supporting the agency's goal of preparing them for successful community reintegration.

The BJMP continues to implement educational, livelihood, and capability-building programs in jail facilities across the region as part of its commitment to delivering humane and transformative corrections services.