Land donations bolster BuCor’s regional prison vision
In a significant move to reform the correctional system, two local government units have donated land to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for the development of regional prison facilities. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. announced the donations, highlighting a strategic shift toward more humane, rehabilitative incarceration and closer ties to families and communities.
Who donated and what was donated
The provincial government of Nueva Ecija donated 60 hectares of land in Pinaltakan, Palayan City, with the initial focus on 9.9 hectares of the 50 hectares committed. Gov. Aurelio Umali oversaw the donation, which is part of a long-term plan to establish a regional prison campus system. In Lanao del Norte, the town of Maigo contributed land as well, with an initial deed of donation signed on October 13 for 9.9 hectares of a 50-hectare commitment under Maigo Mayor Rafael Rizalda.
BuCor’s broader regional prison plan
Director General Catapang outlined a broader plan to build 16 regional facilities across the country. The network would include one facility for male inmates and one for female inmates in each region, with specialized units for offenders convicted of heinous crimes. The objective is to transform the national prison framework into a system that can house about 2,500 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) per facility, signaling a shift toward more humane and effective correctional environments.
Why regional facilities matter
Aligning with modern correctional philosophy, the move toward regional facilities aims to reduce the separation between inmates and their families. By enabling proximity to homes, communities, and support networks, BuCor hopes to improve rehabilitation outcomes and ease reintegration into society upon release. Family visits and community involvement are widely recognized as critical components of successful reentry, reducing recidivism and fostering stability for inmates who have served their time.
Implementation and future milestones
While the land donations mark a pivotal step, the realization of regional prisons will involve complex planning, funding, and construction phases. BuCor plans to coordinate with local governments to ensure lands are appropriately prepared for security, administration, and inmate welfare. The agency has signaled that the initial projects will serve as models for the broader regional system, with a focus on safety, humane conditions, and efficient operations.
Implications for communities and the correctional landscape
Local governments contributing land underscores a cooperative approach to national corrections reform. The collaborations are expected to bring economic activity to host municipalities and create opportunities for local participation in facility management and oversight. For residents, the regional prisons could signify enhanced access to parole processes, social services, and potential workforce collaboration during reintegration efforts.
Conclusion
The land donations from Nueva Ecija and Maigo signal a decisive step in BuCor’s plan to decentralize and modernize corrections across the country. By aligning prisoner proximity with family and community support, the BuCor leadership is pursuing a correctional model rooted in rehabilitation, humane treatment, and long-term societal safety. The success of these regional facilities will depend on continued collaboration between national agencies and local governments, sound financing, and rigorous adherence to standards that prioritize inmate welfare alongside public safety.
