Tagbilaran City - The Heirloom Harvest project culminated in a successful harvest festival on May 16, 2024, marking a major milestone just three months after its launch at the Bohol District Jail Female Dormitory (BDJFD) in this city. 

Last January 29, 2024 Dir. Gracia F. Arado, PhD., Center Director of ATI-7 and Mr. Emmanuel Gamonez – proprietor of Green Gardens of Hope (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 signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Heirloom Harvest: A Sustainable Legacy for a Nutritious Food Security project at GGH, Balilihan.

The project, a collaborative effort between the Agricultural Training Institute – VII (AT-7), Green Gardens of Hope (GGH), and the BDJFD is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. By harnessing the potential of heirloom seeds, the project not only ensures a sustainable supply of produce but also provides a therapeutic and skill-building platform for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in correctional facilities. 

The BDJFD's impressive yield includes 11 kg of okra, 6.5 kg of cucumber, 3.5 kg of lettuce, 1.5 kg of spinach, and 1.25 kg of round red radish. Furthermore, the reservation of 10,864 okra seeds and 1,766 cucumber seeds for seed banking underscores the commitment to long-term sustainability. As a testament to the project's impact, a generous donation of 1,200 red-orange okra seeds was made to the Bohol District Jail - Ubay for future planting, further extending the reach and influence of the Heirloom Harvest initiative.

Present during the event is Acting Warden Ma. Joy Torreon, JO1 Psyche Posadas, Engr. Rizaldy Mercadal, PhD., Acting Chief of PASS and Doris Isabel Racho, Information Officer of ATI-7 alongside Engr. Emmanuel Gamonez, proprietor of GGH. Notable guests Maria Theresita Ramirez of Mayor Lucas Asotigue Learning Site for Agriculture and former Baclayon Vice Mayor Marilyn Bobsie Uy whose an agri-enthusiast are also present.

The Heirloom Harvest is the first public-private partnership in the ATI network and is hoped to be replicated in other provinces within the region.