A flourishing venture between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice bore fruit in the form of a vibrant Harvest Festival at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The event, held on December 7, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the collaborative project.
The festival highlighted an 18-hectare expanse dedicated to cultivating lowland vegetables, showcasing the fruitful endeavors in agriculture within the colony. It served as a testament to the successful partnership between the two departments, aiming to foster sustainable farming practices and empower individuals in correctional facilities through agricultural initiatives.
One of the notable aspects of this collaborative effort is the engagement of Project Zacchaeus and FarmKonekt as marketing arms for the produce. This involvement will enable connections with various buyers, including wholesalers and retailers, facilitating the distribution of the freshly cultivated harvest to broader markets.
Present at this momentous occasion were esteemed personalities such as Melissa Macasaet, the City Agriculturist, along with Vicente Binasahan from the Department of Agriculture, and Gerald Glenn Panganiban, the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, and the head of Bureau of Corrections in Palawan. Their presence underscored the significance of the collaboration and emphasized the support from key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Moreover, the festival brought together various seedling suppliers, further enhancing the exchange of ideas, innovations, and resources within the agricultural community.
The event's success not only celebrated the agricultural achievements within Iwahig Penal Colony but also highlighted the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and empower communities. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in fostering agricultural growth and ensuring a brighter future for all involved.