The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. on Thursday urged 1,000 newly recruited Corrections Officers I (CO1) nationwide to serve the country and support the agency’s reformation program.

He delivered the message during the simultaneous oath-taking ceremony held at the BuCor Admin Facade, National Headquarters.

Catapang encouraged the new recruits to embrace their roles as agents of change within the corrections system. He told them, “Maswerte kayo dahil napunta kayo sa Bucor ng panahon ng pagbabago” (“You are fortunate to join BuCor during a time of change”), underscoring the unique opportunity they have to contribute to reforms aimed at improving the corrections sector.

The BuCor chief stressed that the recruits are not just there for employment but to serve the nation with integrity. “Hindi kayo pumasok dito para magka trabaho lang; mag serbisyo kayo sa Bayan,” he said.

“We welcome you all as a family and I assure you that we will take care of you and your family if you will do the right thing. But if you will betray our trust, we will make sure that you will be relieved of your duties and you can never serve in government again,” Catapang warned.

Reiterating his vision for the agency, Catapang said, “Ang bagong kultura natin dito sa Bucor ay nagmamasid, hindi kumukurap at tumatalima sa tungkulin” (“Our new culture here at BuCor is watchful, incorruptible, and obedient to duty”).

The newly appointed officers are assigned to: New Bilibid Prison National Headquarters – 206; Davao Prison and Penal Farm – 204; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm – 295; Leyte Regional Prison – 89; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm – 95; and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm – 111.