Farmers, BJMP tie up to supply food to Albay inmates

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has renewed its marketing agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to secure an institutional buyer for the crops and products of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) in Albay. 

As part of this agreement, nine jail facilities in the province will obtain their food supplies from four agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) supported by DAR. 

This partnership not only ensures a stable market and income for farmers but also promotes access to healthy, locally grown food for nearly 1,000 individuals who are deprived of liberty. 

Maria Eugenia Alteza, the provincial agrarian reform program officer for Albay, said that this initiative demonstrates that DAR’s mission extends beyond land distribution. 

“We also support our farmers in becoming entrepreneurs by facilitating their membership in ARBOs and connecting them with institutional markets,” Alteza said. 

The participating ARBOs include the South Quinale Irrigators Association in Libon, the Sa Agrarian Reform Iriba Gabos sa Kauswagan Multipurpose Cooperative in Daraga, the San Isidro (Boring) Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Tabaco City, and the Masarawag Composite Farmers Association in Guinobatan. 

These farmer groups will supply fresh produce to BJMP facilities located in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Ligao City, and the municipalities of Camalig, Guinobatan, Oas, Polangui, Pioduran, and Sto. Domingo. 

The ARBOs offer a variety of farm products to the BJMP, including rice, vegetables, and poultry products. 

Pio Rosero, the BJMP assistant regional director for operations, praised the collaboration as a strategic partnership that enables both agencies to fulfill their mandates more effectively. 

One of the ARBs, Eduardo Buison, a member of the San Isidro Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, described the initiative as a boost to their income. 

“As a newly organized cooperative, this opportunity helps increase our income. We are hopeful for a continued and strong partnership with BJMP. We thank the DAR for opening doors for us to connect with institutional buyers,” he said. 

According to a report by the DAR, total sales from this partnership reached P1.8 million in 2024, demonstrating its positive impact on farmers’ livelihoods and supporting BJMP’s food security program. (PIA Bicol/Albay)