By Doris Isabel J. Racho, DM | 09:46 AM May 25, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center VII (ATI-RTC VII), in collaboration with the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA), recently conducted its first-ever “ATI-DOJ-PPA Techno Forum and Information Caravan on Coconut and Other Commodities” for 110 probationers and parolees from the towns of Carmen, Bilar, Batuan, Sierra Bullones, and Pilar in Bohol.
The activity aimed to bring agricultural technologies, information services, and livelihood opportunities closer to individuals undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration, providing them with avenues for sustainable livelihood and personal development through agriculture. As part of the afternoon session, a discussion on MOSH-MOAH was also conducted to enhance participants’ awareness and understanding of proper postharvest handling and copra processing practices. Through this session, participants were expected to gain knowledge on producing high-quality copra that meets industry standards, thereby improving product quality and market opportunities for coconut farmers.
The partnership between ATI-RTC VII and DOJ-PPA was formally established through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held at ATI-RTC VII in Tagbilaran City on April 7, 2026 This local partnership is anchored on a broader collaboration between the two agencies, following the national-level Memorandum of Agreement signed between ATI and DOJ-PPA in Manila on July 17, 2025, which strengthened their shared commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and livelihood development through agriculture.
Recognizing the importance of inclusive agricultural development, ATI continues to extend its programs and services not only to farmers and fisherfolk but also to communities undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration. Meanwhile, DOJ-PPA remains committed to helping probationers and parolees become productive, self-reliant, and responsible members of society through rehabilitation and community-based support programs. Through the Techno Forum and Information Caravan, participants were provided access to relevant agricultural technologies, government programs, advisory services, and livelihood opportunities that could help improve their productivity, self-reliance, and quality of life.
Gracing the event was Carmen Mayor Conchita Delos Reyes, who expressed her full support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the participants and emphasized the importance of providing livelihood opportunities within the community. The DOJ-PPA delegation was led by Mr. Cirilo R. Maramba Jr., Chief Probation and Parole Officer. Also present during the activity were Mr. Joven C. Felisilda, Provincial Coconut Development Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), along with representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Offices of Carmen and Batuan who distributed agricultural information materials and seeds to the beneficiaries.
Also present during the activity was Arlene Cabusao, Municipal Agriculturist of Carmen, who presented the programs, services, and agricultural support initiatives of the local government unit similar to those being implemented by other Municipal Agriculture Offices. Meanwhile, Mr. Nilo Cempron, a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Operator in Carmen, shared information about the Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), highlighting its role in promoting agricultural learning, technology adoption, and livelihood opportunities for farmers and community members. Mr. Nheil Almer Paredes of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Ms. Rocile G. Pacatang of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Ms. Rose Quitariano of PCA also presented their respective programs and services and provided technical and advisory assistance during the forum.
Through the partnership, ATI-7 and DOJ-PPA highlighted the importance of providing productive and sustainable opportunities that can help participants improve their quality of life and become active contributors to community development.
In his message, ATI-RTC VII OIC Center Director Vianney T. Ojerio emphasized that the activity reflects the shared commitment of ATI and DOJ-PPA to empower probationers and parolees through agriculture, livelihood opportunities, and capability-building programs. Anchored on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the initiative also highlighted ATI’s role as the training and extension arm of the Department of Agriculture in delivering knowledge, technologies, and support services to stakeholders and beneficiaries.
“Through this partnership with DOJ-PPA Bohol and other DA agencies and institutions, we aim to show that agriculture can become a pathway toward renewed hope, productive living, and successful community reintegration,” Ojerio said.
He further stressed that the activity strengthens access to government programs, financial assistance, training opportunities, insurance services, and livelihood interventions for the participants. As part of ATI-RTC VII’s celebration of Open Government Week 2026, the initiative also promoted transparency, collaboration, and inclusive public service by bringing government services closer to the people. Ojerio concluded by reaffirming ATI’s commitment to sustaining partnerships, trainings, and livelihood initiatives that empower communities and create sustainable opportunities through agriculture.
