A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the University of the Philippines (UP) for a land exchange involving 500 hectares from each party.

It was signed on Friday by Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The BuCor plans to establish a Regional Prison Facility (RPF) in Laguna, utilizing 500 hectares from UP’s Laguna-Quezon land grant. In return, UP will gain access to 500 hectares of BuCor's land in Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City.

Catapang said this reciprocal arrangement is designed to maximize land use in a manner that aligns with the objectives of both organizations, paving the way 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 this MOU could serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at enhancing public service and educational initiatives across the country.

For his part, Jimenez thanked the BuCor for entrusting UP with this partnership, which will pave the way for the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) consisting of representatives from both BuCor and UP, tasked with exploring the feasibility of the proposed land utilization.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a tripartite partnership on education access and workforce development was also signed by Catapang, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of the UP Open University (UPOU), and Mr. Robert Lester Aranton, president of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA).

Under the MOA, the UPOU shall facilitate access to its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which include programs relevant to workforce development and professional growth for BuCor personnel and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The UPAA will coordinate between UPOU and BuCor with regard to information materials, PDLs’ inquiries, enlistment and participation, and guidance during program implementation.

The UPAA shall also make the services of its Job Placement Office available for PDLs who have graduated from UPOU under this program and who are due for release from BuCor.

The three institutions reflect a common vision of making education accessible and transformative, offering hope, dignity, and second chances to the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).