The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed its full support to the collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in a food production program that would involve persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in various prison facilities.

In a statement, the CHR said the Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment (RISE) for food security between DA and BuCor would not only help food production, but also enhance government efforts in rehabilitation and reintegration to society of the country’s PDLs.

It said the program is aimed at providing PDLs with agricultural work and contributing to the country’s food security.

Under the program, BuCor will utilize its idle lands in its prison and penal farms starting with those at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan.

The idle lands will be transformed into diversified agricultural zones with variety of crops from cashew production to dairy farming.

"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 project is also committed to rehabilitating PDLs serving sentences of more than three years by integrating them into the program," the CHR said.

It described the program as a "positive and holistic approach" on rehabilitation, since it provides valuable prospects for PDLs. With RISE, PDLs not only get to acquire new skills, but they will also be contributing to the country's agricultural and food security and with work experiences under their belt, it will help PDLs in their reintegration into society.

"By integrating PDLs in the program through productive work and capacity-building, this innovative approach to rehabilitative justice is a concrete way to demonstrate the legal and constitutional obligation of the government," the CHR said.

It said it is looking forward to the implementation of the project, and it is also hopeful that similar policies and programs will be set in place for the reformation and welfare of PDLs.

For its part, the CHR will continue to monitor and ensure that the rights of PDLs are respected, while supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.