MANILA – The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has committed to providing twice weekly supplemental meals to more than 31, 000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from November 2024 until December 2027.
In a news release in Tuesday, the memorandum of agreement signed by SMC, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation (PJPS) will provide the supplemental meals to inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City and the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
The tripartite agreement was signed on Monday by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., San Miguel Foundation Inc. executive director Maria Raquel Paula Lichuaco, and PJPS representative Fr. Firmon Bargayo Jr.
Catapang said the purpose of the agreement is to guarantee a transparent and effective distribution of food donations to PDLs within the secure areas of NBP and CIW while upholding high standards of accountability and resource management.
He said it also ensures a systematic, coordinated effort to improve the nutritional intake of PDLs with a strong focus on security and the welfare of the beneficiaries.
“This partnership marks a significant commitment to providing supplemental food for the next three years, ensuring that those under our care receive not only adequate nutrition but also a sense of dignity,” Catapang said, adding that nourishing the inmates is essential to fostering hope and healing.
He thanked the SMC for its dedication to this cause, and expressed optimism that the collaboration will pave the way for positive change within the two correctional facilities.
Under the MOA, the BuCor and PJPS will be responsible for the distribution of the meals.
Meanwhile, the SMF committed to providing supplementary lunch and dinner for the 31, 600 PDLs confined at the NBP and CIW; ensure that the meals are delivered frozen early in the morning on feeding days, and pallets will be provided for unloading and storage.
SMF also plans to donate PHP 10 million worth of San Miguel Foods Christmas products for the PDLs at the NBP and CIW in December 2024. (PNA)