Inmates at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail (INPJ) get a chance to earn extra by making compost bins for distribution to households in the province.

One of the provincial government’s flagship programs, the household composting project has gained momentum in urban communities, with the help of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-trained inmates who make 400 compost bins.

Ten persons deprived of liberty (PDL) receive a salary of PHP4,000 each.

According to Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos on Monday, the household composting program is now being implemented in at least 28 villages and will be rolled out in the entire province.

As a result, more inmates have shown interest in making additional composting units to earn income.

“By integrating sustainable livelihood initiatives such as this, we continue to strengthen the capacity of PDL to become self-reliant and productive members of society upon release,” the INPJ said in a statement.

Using an improvised bucket with a tight cover and a faucet for draining, food waste is properly segregated so it no longer gets transported to the city landfill.

The INPJ initially served as a pilot site for the household composting and community gardening project, training over 150 inmates to convert their food waste into organic soil.

The organic soil comes from fermented food waste mixed with locally available materials that help in faster decomposition without foul odor.

The initiative currently benefits the inmates by providing a steady source of fresh vegetables grown in healthy soil, which they produce themselves from kitchen scraps.

The governor hopes this will be replicated in other villages, envisioning that every Ilokano home will have a garden to ensure food security. (PNA)