Sablayan Prison Launches Hollow Block Production Initiative

Occidental Mindoro – Inmates at the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) have launched a project for producing concrete hollow blocks (CHBs), as announced by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Friday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide skill-building and training opportunities for the prisoners, while also addressing the construction requirements of the facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief Robert Veneracion in his report to BuCor director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the program will enable the inmates to contribute significantly to the prison’s construction needs. The prison currently requires approximately 90,000 CHBs for the refurbishment of its existing structures. Moreover, the SPPF is considering the possibility of supplying CHBs to nearby barangays as part of their commercial production strategy, Veneracion informed Catapang.

The CHB production is just one aspect of the PDL Reformation Program, which also includes training in various trades such as masonry, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, auto repair, welding, livestock production, and horticulture. This diverse range of training opportunities is designed to equip the inmates with practical skills that can aid in their rehabilitation and potential reintegration into society.

General Catapang previously instructed officials of prison and penal farms to establish partnerships with private sector entities and engage in business ventures. This directive aims to enhance the relevance and financial sustainability of the BuCor, aligning with modern correctional practices that focus on rehabilitation and skill development for inmates.