To equip incarcerated women with livelihood and entrepreneurial skills, the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Daanbantayan Campus successfully launched the third phase of its extension project ‘Commercialization Skills Training on Agricultural and Agri-Fishery Products of KAGUD-KALAMBOAN under the SAKPI sa BJMP Extension Programs at the Female Dormitory of the Medellin District Jail, Cebu.
Held on August 17, 24, and September 13, 2025, the training focused on participants engaging in hands-on production of value-added agri-food products, including Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), cookies, Cococam Creamy Roll “Turon,” bottled pork meatballs in tomato sauce, canned and bottled sardines, malunggay cupcakes, pork and vegetable tocino balls, and squash-jackfruit yema.
Expert trainers led sessions on innovation, food safety, and sustainable production techniques, while also teaching essential entrepreneurship skills, including pricing, packaging, marketing, and branding strategies.
By equipping incarcerated women with real-world skills for livelihoods and entrepreneurship, the project fosters rehabilitation, self-sufficiency, and successful reintegration into society.
The training culminated with a showcase where participants proudly presented their products to CTU extension leaders, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel, and fellow beneficiaries, celebrating their achievements and newfound confidence.
Project Lead Proponent Sutero S. Macabudbud, Jr. spearheaded the project, supported by Nicolas P. Antigua, Chairman of the Extension Services Department, and implemented under the guidance of Campus Director Ruben M. Ungui.
The initiative supports key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating income opportunities to reduce poverty (SDG 1), offering food production training to combat hunger (SDG 2), and providing capacity-building programs to enhance quality education (SDG 4).
It also promotes Gender Equality (SDG 5) by empowering women PDLs, supports Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG through micro-enterprises, reinforces Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) via rehabilitation, and boosts Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through collaboration among CTU, BJMP, and local stakeholders.
The Commercialization Skills Training on Agricultural and Agri-Fishery Products of KAGUD-KALAMBOAN (Phase 3) illustrates the transformative potential of university-led extension programs.
This project reflects CTU’s commitment to applying academic expertise in creating impactful, community-driven programs that empower marginalized groups and foster meaningful change.
Photo courtesy of CTU Daanbantayan Campus