Submitted by admin-r4b on
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan - In a significant step toward promoting food security and supporting local farmers, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was officially signed under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program. This agreement was made among the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)—Brooke’s Point District Jail, the BJMP—Puerto Princesa City Jail Female and Male Dormitory, and the National Irrigation Administration—Palawan Irrigation Management Office (NIA-PIMO). The signing was supported by NIA MIMAROPA Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio M. Cervantes and overseen by Division Manager Engr. Armando L. Flores and the Provincial Federation of Irrigators Associations (PFIA) of Palawan.
The MOA signing took place on June 16, 2025, at the NIA Palawan IMO conference room. Present at the event were Jail Senior Inspector (J/SINSP) Bryan Ian Paul A. Rañada, Acting Jail Provincial Administrator of Palawan and concurrently the Acting District Jail Warden of Brooke's Point District Jail. Also present were Jail Senior Inspector (J/SINSP) Alcel U. Bandiola and Senior Jail Officer 4 (SJO4) Barbara G. Lim, both designated as Acting City Jail Wardens of Puerto Princesa City Jail. Other attendees included Jail Officer 1 (JO1) Roberto D. Ignacio of the Male Dormitory, Jail Officer 2 (JO2) Leonard Sanchez of the Female Dormitory, and Community Relations Assistant Jackielyn P. Hamora, spearheaded by Sr. Irrigators Development Officer (IDO), Glenda G. Buenavista.
This tripartite agreement aims to support Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP through the direct procurement of Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice from local farmers. This initiative not only ensures access to affordable rice for PDLs but also uplifts local agriculture by empowering irrigators' associations and reinforcing the importance of sustainable food sourcing.
Under this partnership, BJMP will procure BBM Rice directly from PFIA, ensuring compliance with government procurement laws and promoting community-based support. PFIA is committed to ensuring the timely and quality-assured supply of rice to meet the needs of the BJMP, while NIA-PIMO will provide technical guidance and coordination to facilitate the successful implementation of the program.
The MOA is set to be in effect for six (6) months and marks a strong step forward in fostering inclusivity and smooth procurement and delivery operations. This partnership not only secures a reliable supply of rice for the BJMP but also empowers local agricultural communities.