The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will provide a PHP1.29-million shared service facility (SSF) on food processing to support the livelihood training of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Antique.

The support was formalized with an agreement signing on Thursday at the Anstec Building in San Jose de Buenavista with DTI Antique acting Provincial Director Mary Jade Gonzales, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Director Senior Supt. Jhon Montero, and Schools Division of Antique Superintendent Ernesto Servillion, represented by Education Program Specialist Jezreel Bantolo as signatories.

Gonzales, in her message, said the SSF will benefit the 25 PDLs who are enrolled in the Alternative Learning System.

“Through the SSF, the BJMP will be provided with equipment that they could use in making chorizo, tocino and other food products,” she said.

The equipment expected to be delivered anytime soon includes a meat mixer, meat slicer, electric fried pot, fryer, sausage tying machine, and sliding glass steel cabinet, among others.

The BJMP will have a counterpart of around PHP675,000 for raw materials, building and additional equipment.

Gonzales said that even if behind bars, PDLs could also already earn income. The processed foods will be sold by their family members outside the jail facility.

Montero said they look forward for PDLs to use their skills and earning an income once they finish serving their jail sentence.

“Take good care of the SSF and learn as much in preparation for your future reintegration,” Montero said.

The San Pedro National High School will handle the training as part of the ALS program for Grades 11 and 12. (PNA)