Composting Revolution: Misamis Oriental Farmers Turn Trash into Treasure!

COURTESY: PIA

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture (DA)-10, through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, turned over four composting facilities for biodegradable waste, valued at P949,984, to local farmers and institutions. 

Why This Handover Rocks Right Now

Farmers and schools grabbed these tools on March 2 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Moreover, the project helps them produce organic fertilizers, manage waste, improve soil health, and cut reliance on pricey imported inputs. 

DA Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan called it timely and strategic. He stressed, “The next six months will be critical as we anticipate price hikes in imported fertilizers and equipment. This initiative allows our communities to produce their own fertilizers, helping stabilize agricultural costs and mitigate the impact of inflation on local farmers.”

Gear That Changes the Game

Next, the facilities include rotary composters, biomass shredders, and compost tea brewers. These machines convert biodegradable waste into rich organic compost for rice, corn, fruits, and vegetables. 

Beneficiaries span local farming communities and educational spots like SAFEGCC, Inc. – Bread Life Family Farm Entrepreneurial School in Balingasag; Living Soils Rural Ventures in Claveria; Mat-i National High School; and Helpful Living, Inc. in Gingoog City. 

Roberto Jomen III of Healthful Living Inc. shared, “Dako kini og tabang kini sa pagpananom sa mga organikong gulayon para sa among mga kliyente. Mas mapadali pa ang produksyon sa gulay tungod sa mga CFBW.” This big help speeds up organic veggie production for clients. 

Building a Stronger Future

Governor Juliette Uy prioritizes agriculture to boost the local economy and farmers’ livelihoods. Furthermore, the project forms part of DA-10’s soil health and organic agriculture program. 

It strengthens resilience in Northern Mindanao by reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and supporting food security. Thus, communities now create their own solutions amid global challenges. 

Empowering Justice: The Nationwide Rollout of the Paralegal Microlearning Series

COURTESY: JAKA/PIA-10

Introduction to a Transformative Initiative

 In a significant stride towards enhancing legal education, a pioneering initiative originally conceived by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Northern Mindanao has achieved nationwide implementation. The Paralegal Microlearning Series, a digital platform dedicated to providing legal training to Jail Paralegal Officers (JPOs), was officially launched across all BJMP units on April 3, 2025. Following its successful pilot phase in the region, the rollout commenced in the third week of May, receiving invaluable support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the GoJust2 Program.

This innovative program caters specifically to JPOs, who, as non-lawyer personnel, play a vital role in assisting Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with their legal concerns. By utilizing brief animated videos, each lasting five to seven minutes, the Paralegal Microlearning Series ensures that JPOs can access critical legal knowledge through smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers—free of charge to the government. This accessibility marks a transformative shift in how legal education is disseminated within correctional facilities.

Building Confidence Through Comprehensive Training

Jail Chief Inspector Jessa Sarah Sanchez, the legal service section chief of BJMP Region 10, emphasizes the initiative's success and its broader implications. “Recent lang siya, naging available nationwide; pero 2023 pa ginagamit na natin ito sa mga jail paralegal officers natin dito sa Region 10,” she noted. This proactive approach allowed for the collection of feedback, which revealed that JPOs felt more confident in their roles after engaging with the program. The initiative aims to provide regular and manageable legal learning, recognizing the necessity for JPOs to possess a foundational understanding of legal principles.

Sanchez further elaborated on the collaborative efforts that shaped the program's content. The BJMP engaged in focus group discussions with the paralegal team at the national headquarters and consulted with legal experts to ensure the training remained comprehensive yet accessible. The curriculum includes essential topics such as good conduct time allowance (GCTA) computation, probation, bail, release on recognizance (ROR), legal procedures, case follow-ups, and case tracking. By continuously refining the content based on user feedback, the BJMP demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of learning and improvement.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The BJMP's dedication to enhancing legal support services for PDLs is evident in its approach to the Paralegal Microlearning Series. As Sanchez stated, “We don’t just launch a project and leave it. We collect feedback, adjust the content, and relaunch it. It’s a continuous improvement cycle.” This initiative not only empowers JPOs but also reinforces the legal rights of PDLs, ensuring they receive the assistance they need. With the nationwide rollout now in effect, the BJMP aims to build on the progress achieved in Northern Mindanao, ultimately enhancing the legal landscape within correctional facilities across the country.