Inmates at Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Jail Receive Training in Urban Agriculture

April 23, 2024 - Zamboanga del Sur

Selected inmates from the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Jail participated in a seminar on urban agriculture, led by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center IX (ATI-RTC IX) on April 23. The seminar aimed to equip inmates with practical skills in sustainable agriculture, including organic fertilizer formulation, backyard poultry raising, and fresh produce cultivation within the jail’s premises.

The training session covered essential techniques and strategies for urban agriculture, focusing on sustainable methods that could provide the inmates with a productive way to spend their time while also contributing to a self-sustaining food source within the jail. Mr. Julito B. Cordova, Training Specialist II, provided an overview of urban agriculture, emphasizing ways inmates could apply these methods within a limited space.

Mr. Reynaldo B. Beduya, another Training Specialist II, led a session on the Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS), sharing knowledge on natural inputs that minimize chemical use and improve soil health. These techniques provide an eco-friendly approach to agriculture, allowing the inmates to produce healthier and fresher produce sustainably.

The initiative reflects ATI-RTC IX’s dedication to community service and rehabilitation, offering inmates the chance to develop skills that can benefit them post-incarceration. Through this program, the jail aims to encourage sustainable practices while fostering a productive and positive environment.

The seminar not only supports inmates in acquiring agricultural skills but also underscores the importance of rehabilitation programs that offer a sense of purpose and practical knowledge. This partnership with ATI-RTC IX is expected to have a lasting impact, promoting self-reliance and positive change within the jail community.