By Kimberly S. Miguel, StratCom Correspondent

In recognition of its transformative extension programs for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), Mariano Marcos State University - Extension Directorate received a special award from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office 1. 

In a surprise visit yesterday, September 19, Jail Chief Inspector Cremencio Alones, Jr., office-in-charge of Batac District Jail, presented the award to MMSU Extension Director Marilou Lucas at the University Research, Development and Extension Building. Witnessed by extension personnel and jail officers, the awarding is part of the 31st anniversary celebration of the BJMPRO-1. 

“We thank MMSU for its invaluable support to the programs, projects and activities of BJMP. Such benevolence is worthy of emulation,” said Alones. He shared that MMSU has been a perennial partner of BJMP-Batac in empowering PDLs, in the hope they could inspire others once reintegrated in the society. 

“To serve our countrymen is the essence of our mandate at the directorate,” expressed Dr. Lucas, assuring that “We will always deliver more services to the target beneficiaries and communities, with special priority for marginalized communities and vulnerable sectors.”

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis congratulated the directorate for its activities that help renew the lives of PDLs. “This recognition from the BJMP attests to our commitment in carrying out high impact and transformative extension and outreach programs, which is a key component in our ACHIEVE agenda,” she said.  

The university’s oyster mushroom production, goat raising, and Bolinao chicken demonstration projects are actively generating funds to support the needs of the PDLs and their families. Other projects being implemented by MMSU in partnership with BJMP include bamboo processing, dragon fruit production, and nursery establishment. 

BJMP-Batac is also the first breeder demonstration site in Ilocos Norte of the technology transfer of MMSU’s Bolinao chicken project. This is being implemented in collaboration with the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium, with funding support from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology. (HLY/JBVT/DPTJ, StratCom)