CHR backs program tapping PDLs for food security project

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday expressed its support for a project that aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate persons deprived of liberty (PDL) back into society through agricultural work.

Launched last month, the Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security (RISE) Project aims to utilize the Bureau of Corrections' (BuCor) idle lands for agricultural development to aid the government's objective to attain food security. 

The project will begin its operations at the Iwahig penal colony in Palawan.

"This initiative aims to create spaces where innovation and modernization will be put forward to ensure a positive impact on the country’s agricultural sector and tackle the issue of food security," the CHR said.

"The project is also committed to rehabilitating PDLs serving sentences of more than 3 years, by integrating them into the program," it added.

According to the CHR, the project offers PDLs the opportunity to acquire new skills, contribute to the country’s agricultural and food future, and reintegrate into society.

"We are hopeful that this will help improve the welfare and health of the PDLs while giving them the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to food security," the CHR said.

''We are looking forward to the efficient and scaled-up implementation of the project to ensure impact in all the areas it seeks to improve and address. Further, CHR hopes this initiative will enable the implementation of more policies and rehabilitative justice projects that will be beneficial to the reformation and welfare of PDLs,'' it added.

The RISE Project involves the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice, and BuCor.  — VBL, GMA Integrated News