Davao del Norte Provincial board, local gov't officials support BuCor-Tadeco deal 

The provincial board of Davao del Norte on Thursday expressed its support for the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Tagum Agricultural Development Co. Inc. (Tadeco) on the implementation of a rehabilitation program for inmates and employment for residents.

In Resolution No. 364, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said, “Tadeco has provided them with the skills that will enable them to eventually re-integrate into society as productive and responsible citizens. Under the JVA, the inmates are able to earn money for their personal expenses and for their families."

"The JVA rehabilitation program has brought pride to the province of Davao del Norte because its success is well known in the entire Philippine penal system. As a matter of fact, BuCor wanted it replicated in its Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan,” the board members said in a three-page resolution.

Moreover, other politicians also support the deal, which has become a model for other penal colonies.

“A lot of Asuncion residents are employed in Tadeco," said Asuncion Mayor Eufracio Dayaday.

"So Tadeco for so many years helped not only the economy of District II, but also the First District in terms of employment, both direct and indirect. And the overwhelming support of the officials of Asuncion to the Tadeco-BuCor deal is based on the belief that the JVA has been reviewed by at least six past Justice secretaries of several past presidencies," he added.

On the other hand, Asuncion Vice Mayor Joel Camello, lauded the standards upheld by Tadeco on its products and employment record.

“While other banana plantations were shut down due to complex problems, thereby dislocating employees and resulting in loss of taxes and other economic opportunities, here we have Tadeco that keeps international quality standard and has complied with wage standards while giving additional benefits to its employees," he said.

In May, the House of Representatives committee on Justice and panel on Good Governance and Public Accountability vowed to investigate the deal.

During a hearing, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez raised concerns over the alleged “ill” treatment of TADECO’s plantation workers.

The Commission on Audit, meanwhile, recommended the nullification of the joint venture agreement and filing of appropriate charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for violating several provision of the Philippine Constitution.

The 2016 report of the state auditors affirm an earlier finding by the Department of Justice that the land deal was illegal. — BAP, GMA News