The Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) in Eastern Visayas is expanding its livelihood program for probationers through the establishment of canteens in state universities and colleges in the region.

Following years of successful operation of the “Kusina ni Kawil” food service facility inside the Bulwagan ng Katarungan compound here, the livelihood project has expanded with the opening of a branch at Leyte Normal University.

Another canteen is expected to open within the year at the Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City, Samar, DOJ-PPA Eastern Visayas Director Ma. Beverly Ampo said in an interview Tuesday.

“We want this to become a banner livelihood project in the region. Through this, we are informing the community that this livelihood opportunity is meant to help our probationers not commit crimes again,” Ampo said.

In Tacloban City, the program is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Agriculture. In Calbayog City, the initiative is supported by the office of Samar 1st District Rep. Stephen James Tan.

The program provides affordable and nutritious meals to the public while giving beneficiaries opportunities for skills development and productive community engagement.

Currently, the project supports at least 12 probationers from different parts of the region, according to Ampo.

The name “Kawil,” which means fishhook, was inspired by the biblical reference to being “fishers of men,” symbolizing guidance, transformation, and the DOJ-PPA’s mandate to support the reintegration of probationers into the community. (PNA)