For sale: Fresh nutrient mushrooms
BALUNGAO JAIL STORY
BALUNGAO —Fresh mushrooms anyone?
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) here is now the source of fresh oyster mushroom production which is quickly gaining popularity in the town.
The inmates’ produce is sold at P150 per kilo to direct buyers at the jail but commercial buyers reporteldy sell these at higher prices in their outlets.
Those involved in the production earn their share from sales generated.
So far, the project enables the production team to earn an average of P600 weekly.
TRAINING
About 35 inmates, both males and females, were trained by a team from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) led by Dr. Sofronio Kalaw, director of the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development and Dr. Renato Reyes, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for the training on mushroom production.
“The university wanted a unique setting and this was it, the jail, and it was a hit,” Chief Inspector Roque Constante Sison III, jail warden, said.
Even teachers who have learned about the “hanging garden” project signified interests to replicate the inmates’ experiences, Sison added.
Chief Insp. Roque Constantino Sison III, warden of the BJMP District Jail in Balungao, oversees collection of mushrooms from the “Hanging Garden” . CSR
“Our vision is to see our inmates themselves teach them (outsiders),” he said.
Plans are already afoot for the expansion of the operation because of the growing demand for the jail-produced mushrooms.
“It’s science working inside the jail because of the technology they have imparted,” said Sison.
The venture started when a local television anchor aired the planned project and donors came forward with cash to set up the structure and buy the raw materials needed.
After a month of intensive training, the CLSU team was surprised at how well the inmates have easily learned the technology imparted to them.
Some of the inmates who trained and have since been discharged after serving their jail terms have started their own production for their livelihood.
Even Balungao Mayor Philip Peralta now wants the project adopted by the municipal government.
Becoming productive
The trained inmates are now being eyed as resource speakers for talks on the project for groups that have signified interests.
From the first step of production to harvest, three groups of inmates take their turns to tend to their small farm site behind their cells.
Rey Gabiola an inmate from Sta. Barbara town for 16 years, waters the mushrooms five times daily to prevent the mushrooms from drying up.
Joyce Vergara, an inmate from Baguio City, said their mushroom culture helps her fight boredom. Her share of the income enables her to buy some of her needs.
Shane Joy Villanueva from Villasis town said the mushroom culture eases her loneliness. Separated from her four-year old child, she said she can be proud that while in jail, she is engages in a productive endeavor.
Rocky Biyo, one of oldest staying inmate here and treasurer of the group, said they use part of their income to upgrade tools because some of their tools are still improvised.
Jonathan Cruz, a farmer from Alcala town, is thankful to the teachers from CLSU for the knowledge imparted to them.
Nutrient-packed mushroom
Research shows oyster mushrooms are packed with proteins, folic acid, potassium, niacin, Vitamin C and B3 complex, and other mineral salts needed by the human body, according to www.ministryofmushrooms.com/products.
They are recommended for people with high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes due to their low sodium/potassium ratio, starch, fat, and calorific value. They’re a natural source of statin, a cholesterol-lowering drug.
Multi-awarded warden
Meanwhile, Sison, as then jail warden of BJMP Dagupan, was cited for three consecutive years for making it as the nation’s Best District Jail of the Year.
He was also awarded as the nation’s Best Jail Warden in his stint at the BJMP San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
While in Laoag City, he was also awarded as the Best City Jail Warden.
Next month, he will receive his sixth national award from the BJMP for making the Balungao Distict Jail as District Jail of the Year during the 23rd BJMP anniversary celebration.
The facility has about 160 inmates including 16 female detainees.
Besides mushroom culture, other detainees are into basket weaving, quality woodcraft, handicraft, and kalan (cookware) making. -Tita Roces
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