Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Nueva Ecija and local government unit Maigo in Lanao del Norte for their generous land donations, which will serve as future sites for regional prison facilities.

Catapang revealed that the Nueva Ecija Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Aurelio Umali, donated 60 hectares of land located at Pinaltakan, Palayan City while Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo, Lanao del Norte signed a deed of donation for the initial 9.9 hectares of land last Monday while the remaining 40.1 hectares to complete their 50 hectares commitment will be signed soon.

The will lay the groundwork for the establishment of crititical infrastructure projects that pave the way for a unified penology and correctional system by merging the Bucor and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. 

It will also enhance the correctional system and optimize land use for government facilities which aligns with the objectives set forth in the Philippines Development Plan 2023–2028.

Catapang explained this initiative, which governs the BuCor Modernization Program, enabling the agency to propose the development of additional penal farms as a strategic response to alleviate congestion in existing institutions and address the growing inmate population. 

He added  that regionalization of corrections facilities aims to foster familial proximity for inmates, which is vital in their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

“Our long-term plan includes the construction of 16 regional facilities—one for males and one for females in each region, along with specialized facilities for heinous crime offenders. The aim is to transform the current prison system to accommodate around 2,500 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) per facility, reflecting a commitment to a more humane and effective correctional environment,” Catapang said.