Tacloban: The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed support for the 'Kusina ni Kawil' program of the Department of Justice - Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) in Eastern Visayas. "Kusina Ni Kawil" is a food service facility and canteen aimed at promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ-PPA Eastern Visayas Director Ma. Beverly Ampo, together with OIC-Assistant Regional Director Renato J. Espiritu and Chief Probation and Parole Officer Raul J. Mercado, met with DA Regional Executive Director Rodel G. Macapa±as to discuss a potential partnership for ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. The facility, located inside the compound of the Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Tacloban City, is managed by former PDLs who have undergone rehabilitation.
The program offers affordable and nutritious meals to the public, while providing beneficiaries with opportunities for skill-building and community engagement. As an initial assistance, personnel from DA's high-value crops development program delivered 20 packs each of various vegetable seeds, including okra, string beans, kangkong, tomato, and pechay, to support the food requirements of the project.
The program's name, 'Kawil,' which means fishhook, is inspired by a biblical reference to being 'fishers of men,' symbolizing guidance, transformation, and the reintegration mandate of the DOJ-PPA.
