By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer Making a difference—no matter how small—always feels fulfilling. And recently, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct my first-ever seminar workshop with the inmates of Malapatan District Jail, introducing them to the fundamentals of vanilla propagation and the industry behind this prized crop.
This initiative, made possible through the support of SINSP Reynante Dela Cruz and Urban Farms PH, was both heartwarming and eye-opening. Seeing the genuine interest and enthusiasm of the participants was inspiring. Many of them were eager to learn about the potential of vanilla farming and flavoring, realizing how this industry could create sustainable opportunities for them in the future.
I am truly grateful to have been part of this meaningful experience, and I extend my appreciation to Sir Reynante P. Dela Cruz and Sir Romar Romar for their support. Their leadership and commitment to rehabilitation through livelihood education are commendable.
However, this is just the beginning. There is a real need for funding institutions and agencies to step in and support projects like this—not just for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) but for the entire community. Instead of focusing solely on recreational activities like barangay sports leagues, perhaps we should shift our focus to livelihood programs, especially for the youth and out-of-school individuals. These programs have the potential to equip them with valuable skills, opening doors to new opportunities for financial stability and self-sufficiency.
Moving forward, I hope to see more initiatives that bring knowledge, empowerment, and sustainable solutions to communities that need them the most. Let’s continue working together to build a future where agriculture serves as a bridge to transformation, hope, and economic growth. /MRA
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