CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is spearheading the establishment of the country’s first agricamp sheltering children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Pampanga.
It signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Corrections and Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) for the facility, to be known as “Sowing Seeds of Hope Through Sustainable Farming”.
DSWD Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar explained that under the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, CICL may be sheltered in an agricultural camp or other training facilities in order for them to be properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society after.
However, since the law’s passage 18 years ago, there still has not been a single agricultural camp in the country.
“[That is why] it is really such a joy for me to finally make this first step to develop the program for the agricultural camp. All of this is for the children because they are our most valuable resource and our hope for the future,” the official stressed.
The Pampanga agricamp will offer another lease on life for CICL by introducing them to sustainable agriculture.
“Children are the most vulnerable, and more so those who are in conflict with the law, who are victims themselves. Victims of their circumstance, abuse and exploitation who turn to these acts because of their situation. And this is such a fitting project for them,” Villar said.
The proposed agricamp will be built within the vicinity of PSAU in Magalang town with areas for vegetable, orchard and animal production.
It will also have a verma-composting area, modern greenhouse system, irrigation system, barnyard, ornamental garden and learning center.
Sowing Seeds of Hope Through Sustainable Farming will offer vocational training and hands-on work experience for CICL along with sustainable food production while they are preparing for reintegration into their respective communities.
The facility also aims to achieve a multifaceted impact, encompassing both sustainable agriculture and positive rehabilitation outcomes. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)