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Thursday, March 28, 2024

BuCor-Tadeco pact supported by Davao Norte prov’l board

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THE provincial board of Davao del Norte has thrown its support to the joint venture agreement between the Bureau of Corrections and the Tagum Agricultural Development Co. Inc.

The board cited what it called the invaluable role being played in rehabilitating the inmates of a local penal colony as well as in providing jobs and improving the lives of some 181,000 residents.

In Resolution No. 364, approved by Davao del Norte Gov. Antonio del Rosario, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said Tadeco’s efforts at rehabilitating the inmates of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm by giving them agricultural and industrial training plus gainful employment had become a model for other penal colonies.

The three-page resolution, a copy of which was copied to the Department of Justice, read: “Tadeco has provided them with the skills that will enable them to eventually reintegrate into society as productive and responsible citizens. 

“Under the JVA, the inmates are able to earn money for their personal expenses and for their families… The JVA rehabilitation program has brought pride to the province of Davao del Norte because its success is well known in the entire Philippine penal system. 

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“BuCor wanted it replicated in its Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan.”

Even politicians from neighboring areas, including Asuncion municipality, which is a constituent of one of the most vocal critics of the JVA—Davao del Norte First District Rep. and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez—have backed the Bucor-Tadeco deal.

Asuncion Mayor Eufracio Dayaday said: “A lot of Asuncion residents are employed in Tadeco. 

“So Tadeco for so many years helped not only the economy of District II, but also the First District in terms of employment, both direct and indirect. 

“And the overwhelming support of the officials of Asuncion to the Tadeco-BuCor deal is based on the belief that the JVA has been reviewed by at least six past Justice secretaries of several past presidencies.”

Asuncion Vice Mayor Joel Camello, for his part, said: “While other banana plantations were shut down due to complex problems, thereby dislocating employees and resulting in loss of taxes and other economic opportunities, here we have Tadeco that keeps international quality standard and has complied with wage standards while giving additional benefits to its employees.”

Councilors Virgelio Getezo and Romy Nepa of the municipalities of New Corella and Talaingon, respectively, also threw their support to the JVA, which Alvarez sought to stop.

“It cannot be denied that Tadeco for so many years helped the local economy, particularly of the whole Davao del Norte. It is also but fitting that we shield Tadeco from this legal challenge. It has already passed through several legal reviews. Tadeco deserves our support,” Getezo said.

“Even in our municipality, we have employees in Tadeco. Others even hold plum positions. What will happen to our residents if the Tadeco-Bucor JVA is cancelled? Our municipality cannot absorb their employment if they are dislocated. We hope Tadeco continues its operations,” Nepa added.

Earlier, then BuCor Director Benjamin delos Santos admitted that the bureau is not capable of managing the 5,308.36-hectare banana plantation inside the Davao Penal Colony reservation, which is currently being managed by Tadeco.

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