The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) renewed their agreement to supply fresh and local produce for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) nationwide.
BJMP Chief Ruel Rivera noted that over P30 million in produce was purchased from farmer organizations in 2024, with over 357 jail facilities nationwide having existing marketing agreements with their local agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Program.
He urged the expansion of the said local sourcing agreements, which are currently active in most BJMP facilities.
“The renewed partnership underscores the government’s commitment to supporting farmers while addressing the food needs of jail facilities," Rivera said.
During the recent 2nd ASEAN Regional Correctional Conference (ARCC), Rivera also reminded the delegates of their responsibility to conduct a progressive and humane correctional landscape.
He also underscored the conference’s significance in advancing regional correctional reforms, stressing that under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for Bagong Pilipinas, they are steadfast in their commitment to building a "secure, just, and humane society."
“We are confident that the ARCC will further strengthen cooperation among ASEAN nations to enhance safekeeping, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts for PDL,” Rivera emphasized.
The BJMP and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) hosted the ARCC in February, bringing together top correctional officials and experts from across Southeast Asia to strengthen regional cooperation and advance prison system reforms.
Correctional leaders from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste participated in the event, alongside international organizations and jail management experts.
The country’s hosting of this year’s ARCC builds on the initiatives launched during the 1st ARCC, hosted by the Malaysian Correctional Academy (MCA) in Langkawi, Kedah, in 2024.