PDLs in Butuan City gain livelihood skills through tuna processing training

BUTUAN CITY — Forty-four persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Brgy. Libertad completed a hands-on tuna processing training conducted by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as part of its efforts to equip them with livelihood skills for reintegration.

The training, led by DA-BFAR Caraga’s Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, introduced participants to the production of value-added fish products such as tuna nuggets and tuna fish balls. The activity also covered proper food handling, sanitation, and basic packaging to ensure product quality and market readiness.

BJMP Libertad administrative chief SJO4 Norman E. Jamera welcomed the initiative, noting that such programs help enhance the capabilities of PDLs and provide them with opportunities for livelihood once they return to their communities.

Regional director Omnia B. Olama underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promoting inclusive development, emphasizing that rehabilitation efforts go beyond confinement by preparing individuals for productive and self-sustaining lives after release.

For this week, the RFTFCD team is set to hold the second round of the post-harvest training with PDLs, focusing on the production of bottled tuna in corn oil and tomato sauce.

The agency said it has so far completed two training activities in Dinagat Islands and is set to roll out similar programs to fisherfolk associations across the region, targeting a total of 16 post-harvest-related training sessions for 2026.#