DSWD, BuCor, PSAU to create agri-camp for CICLs

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) that will establish an agri-camp for children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Pampanga.

According to DSWD Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, the agri-camp, which is the first in the Philippines, will facilitate the rehabilitation of CICLs.

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“The implementation of the agricultural camp titled Sowing Seeds of Hope Through Sustainable Farming will benefit children in conflict with the law here in the region, and probably throughout the Philippines, if they will be admitted and committed to the agricultural camp here,” said Villar.

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Other signatories to the memorandum of understanding were BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., and PSAU President Dr. Anita David.

The 5,000 square-meter agr-icamp will house several agricultural areas, such as a greenhouse, compost production areas, animal barnyards, and learning centers.

Villar added that the project will best serve CICLs who are vulnerable, and are victims as well.

“The children are the most vulnerable, and more so those who are in conflict with the law, who are victims themselves, victims of their circumstance, victims of abuse, exploitation, who in turn, turn to these acts because of their situation. And this is such a fitting project for them,” Villar added.