The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the University of the Philippines (UP) formalized a memorandum of understanding for a land exchange involving 500 hectares from each party.

BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. and UP president Atty. Angelo Jimenez signed the agreement at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman and under the agreement, BuCor plans to establish a Regional Prison Facility (RPF) in Laguna, utilizing 500 hectares from UP’s Laguna-Quezon land grant.

In exchange, UP will gain access to 500 hectares of BuCor’s land in Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City.

Catapang said that this reciprocal arrangement is designed to maximize land use, aligning with both organizations’ objectives for enhanced service delivery and community support.

“This partnership addresses logistical needs, such as the establishment of a regional prison facility as we prepare for the closure of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City come 2028,” Catapang said.

He added that the agreement could serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at enhancing public service and educational initiatives nationwide.

Meantime, Jimenez expressed gratitude to the BuCor for entrusting UP with the partnership, which will lead to the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising representatives from both entities.

This group will explore the feasibility of the proposed land utilization.

In other developments, Catapang also signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a tripartite partnership on education access and workforce development with Dr. Joane V. Serrano, chancellor of the UP Open University (UPOU), and Robert Lester Aranton, president of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA).

Under this agreement, UPOU will facilitate access to its Massive Open Online Courses, including those relevant to workforce development and professional growth, for BuCor personnel and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

The UPAA will coordinate between UPOU and BuCor regarding information materials, PDL inquiries, enlistment, participation and guidance during program implementation. The UPAA will also make the services of its Job Placement Office available for PDLs who graduate from UPOU under this program and are due for release from BuCor.

These three institutions share a common vision of making education accessible and transformative, offering hope, dignity and second chances to PDLs.