Two LGUs commit land for regional prison facilities
In a move to reshape the Philippine correctional system, two local government units have donated land to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to support the development of regional prison facilities. The initiative reflects a broader plan to regionalize incarceration while prioritizing humane treatment and rehabilitation.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. announced that the donor LGUs are the provincial government of Nueva Ecija and the town of Maigo in Lanao del Norte. Nueva Ecija contributed 60 hectares of land located in Pinaltakan, Palayan City. In Maigo, the local government, under Mayor Rafael Rizalda, signed a deed of donation for the initial 9.9 hectares of a 50-hectare commitment on Oct. 13. The lands are earmarked to host regional facilities that will serve both male and female inmates.
The long-term vision: 16 regional facilities nationwide
Catapang shared BuCor’s strategic plan to construct 16 regional facilities across the country—two per region, one for males and one for females—with specialized units for offenders charged with heinous crimes. This structure aims to balance security with rehabilitation, as inmates would be managed in facilities closer to their families and communities.
“The aim is to transform the current prison system to accommodate around 2,500 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) per facility, reflecting a commitment to a more humane and effective correctional environment,” Catapang explained. The regional approach is intended to reduce overcrowding, improve access to compassionate services, and enable sustained family involvement in the rehabilitation process.
Why regionalization matters for rehabilitation
Officials emphasize that proximity to families plays a crucial role in successful reintegration. By situating regional prisons near where inmates and their families live, BuCor intends to foster regular visitation, maintain social ties, and support post-release reintegration programs. The initiative also positions correctional staff to work more closely with community partners, educators, and rehabilitation service providers.
Beyond housing, the planned facilities are expected to incorporate programs designed to address education, vocational training, mental health support, and life-skills development. Regional centers can tailor services to local contexts while maintaining consistent national standards for safety and humane treatment.
Community partnerships and accountability
The land donations underscore the essential role of local governments in national reform efforts. Nueva Ecija and Maigo’s contributions demonstrate a collaborative approach to public safety, justice, and social welfare. BuCor has signaled that ongoing oversight and accountability mechanisms will govern the use of donated lands, with transparent milestones and clear treatment of land stewardship to ensure long-term viability.
What comes next
With the initial land transfers in place, BuCor will proceed with planning, design, and eventual construction of the regional facilities. The agency has indicated it will work with local governments, judicial partners, and civil society to align facilities with humane standards, security requirements, and rehabilitation goals. As regional centers take shape, authorities hope to create more humane, effective environments that support inmates, families, and communities alike.
In the broader context of criminal justice reform, the land donations mark a concrete step toward a regionalized, rehabilitative correctional system. If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for sharing resources, expertise, and responsibility across local and national levels of government.
