President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged government agencies to pursue projects like the Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment (RISE) that would address multiple humanitarian and economic problems. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of KJ Rosales/PPA Pool)
Marcos made the call to the national government agencies as he witnessed the signing of the RISE project between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, July 13. The RISE project aims to utilize the Bureau of Corrections' (BuCor) idle lands for agriculture development to support the government's goal to boost the country's food sufficiency levels. It will also engage persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in farm work "to reform and prepare them for reintegration into the society." "So I urge our national government agencies to continue pursuing innovative projects that address the needs that evolve now in this modern age for Filipinos. By making innovation our priority, we can expedite the delivery of programs and services and build a more robust economy," Marcos said. The President emphasized that the challenges in food security today are multifaceted and complex, prompting him to call on the government agencies to work together and tap into their respective specialties, expertise and strengths to "formulate more comprehensive, empirical, and integrated approaches." He reiterated that the government's twin priorities —food security and zero hunger goal— require cooperation amongst all disciplines and across all sectors. "We must delve into the underlining causes of food security, of poverty, inequality  and the lack of access to resources," Marcos said in his speech. The chief executive stressed that achieving these objectives will also contribute to much greater humanitarian causes such as the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs and ensuring hunger prevention, poverty alleviation and better health.

HAPPENING NOW: President Marcos witnesses the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the DA and DOJ for the implementation of the ‘DA - DOJ Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security (RISE) Project’. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/lpqcI18fFA

— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) July 13, 2023

Under the project, PDLs will be provided with tailored support services designed to build and improve their food production and agricultural skills. The project is also expected to improved the PDLs source of food and income. At least 500 hectares if BuCor's land will be developed into agri-tourism sites and production areas through the project. "This initiative attests to our unyielding commitment to both food security and rehabilitative justice. By investing in these capacity building activities, we are not only helping boost food production but also giving our PDLs opportunities to realize their potential for positive change and for reformation," Marcos said. He also expressed hopes that the RISE project will encourage more private and public partnerships and inspire Filipinos to pursue activities that will leave a lasting impact on the society. "Without a doubt our private sector partners have played and continue to play an indispensable role in the success of our programs by bringing in expertise and technological advances that compliment our endeavors," he said.