Nueva Ecija commits 60 hectares for BuCor regional facility
The provincial government of Nueva Ecija has pledged to donate 60 hectares of land in Palayan City for a regional correctional facility under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). The move is part of BuCor’s broader regionalization plan, which seeks to establish modern, self-contained prisons across the country to address overcrowding and improve rehabilitation pathways for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Leadership and collaborative planning
BuCor announced that talks are underway with key local leaders and stakeholders. Acting Governor Gil Raymond M. Umali and Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole J. Cuevas are among the officials coordinating with BuCor and private-sector partners to ensure the project aligns with community needs and safety concerns.
According to BuCor, the 60-hectare donation demonstrates strong local government commitment to the regionalization initiative, underscoring a collaborative approach to national correctional reform. The facility’s design is expected to serve as a model for future regional prisons around the Philippines, balancing security with humane, rehabilitative standards.
Security, community welfare, and project safeguards
During a public hearing held on October 3, BuCor officials led by Deputy Director General Al I. Perreras discussed security protocols and the welfare of the host community. The bureau emphasized that stringent security measures and modern correctional management systems would be implemented to safeguard residents and ensure smooth operations.
The planning process includes careful consideration of how the facility will integrate with Palayan City’s existing infrastructure and services. BuCor notes that appropriate security, environmental safeguards, and community engagement mechanisms are central to the project’s framework.
Expected benefits for Palayan City and Nueva Ecija
Beyond addressing prison congestion, BuCor expects the regional facility to bring tangible economic benefits. Construction and ongoing operations are anticipated to generate jobs, stimulating local income and spending. Local businesses could see increased demand for goods and services as the project moves forward.
Officials also foresee enhancements to regional infrastructure, including improvements to transportation, communications, and power supply facilities to support the new facility and related economic activity. The regional prison is positioned as a catalyst for development that aligns public safety with regional growth in Nueva Ecija.
A forward-looking model for national reform
If realized as planned, the Palayan City facility would serve as a scalable blueprint for similar regional corrections campuses nationwide. BuCor’s regionalization strategy aims to relieve overcrowding at older facilities while providing more localized rehabilitation opportunities, thereby supporting safer communities and more effective reintegration efforts for PDLs.
