BOHOL – The ATI-7 and the Greens Garden of Hope (GGH) an ATI-7 Learning Site for Agriculture whose proprietor is also founder of STEPS Mission - a Corporate Social Responsibility of Belleview Resort signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Heirloom Harvest: A Sustainable Legacy for a Nutritious Food Security project on January 29, 2024 at the GGH Farm, Balilihan, this province.
This public-private-partnership project was crafted on the idea that heirloom seeds’ varieties have a guaranteed growth, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and can be reproduce once re planted than the genetically modified seeds.
Meanwhile, imprisonment poses distinctive challenges associated with the rehabilitation, mental well-being, and practical skills development of inmates. Acknowledging the transformative potential of horticulture and sustainable agriculture, the Heirloom Harvest project aims to create a therapeutic and skill-building initiative within the bounds of correctional facilities.
This turning point in the history of food, along with the benefits to the Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and in support of memorandum M23-0910-1001 issued by Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) National Director on DA x DOJ Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security Project (DA X DOJ RISE project) which also supports the prison camp, led to the creation of the Heirloom Harvest project.
The project will run for three years incorporating it with the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) project of ATI-7 with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Ubay and Tagbilaran City Bohol District Jail Female Dormitory (BDJFD) as project recipients.
GGH will provide the beneficiaries with organic heirloom seeds and technical know-how while ATI provides necessary gardening materials and training. The proponent overseeing this project will work closely with GGH and ATI and award prizes to the winners, provided by the same group.
As part of this program, the Heirloom Harvest (HH), the group will conduct seminar workshops before seed distribution to ensure effective implementation. A portion of the vegetables harvested will be saved for seed banking and the sustainability and expansion of another project.
The MOU signing was attended by Dir. Gracia F. Arado, PhD. of ATI-7 and Mr. Emmanuel Gamonez – proprietor of GGH together with Dr. Carolyn Daquio former ATI-7 Center Director served as project consultant and Wardens Edgar del Rosario BJMP - Ubay and Ivy Rose Pinat- BDJFD represented by Psyche Posadas and JO2 Larry Orillena as witnesses. Other attendees include Doris Isabel Racho, Engr. Rizaldy Mercadal and Jorge Trinidad of ATI-7 respectively.
