Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. has called for renewal and hope, emphasizing the agency’s mission to reform and reintegrate persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In his Easter message, Catapang stressed that message acknowledged the challenges facing the corrections system, including overcrowding, and stressed the need for faith and unity in addressing these issues.

“Fifty years of neglect has weighed heavily on our system, and the challenges we face can seem daunting,” said Catapang. “The congestion of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) is a pressing concern; it reflects not just numbers but real lives that deserve dignity, respect, and a second chance.”

The official also highlighted the significance of Easter as a symbol of renewal and urged BuCor personnel to commit to their role as agents of change.

“Our mission at BuCor goes beyond mere management; we are entrusted with the noble task of safeguarding, reforming, and reintegrating those who have faltered back into society,” Catapang said.

He also called for a culture of responsibility and empathy within BuCor, stressing the importance of personnel understanding their role as “a beacon of hope and change” for PDLs.

Catapang urged a renewed commitment to serving PDLs with “love and understanding,” aiming to positively transform both individual lives and the agency’s legacy.