No celebrations: BuCor scales down anniversary

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Friday that its upcoming 120th Founding Anniversary and traditional Christmas gathering will be observed in a discreet and solemn manner, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to keep festivities subdued during the ongoing national mourning.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the decision reflects respect and solidarity with communities devastated by Typhoon Tino, which claimed more than a hundred lives and displaced thousands across several regions.

“At this time when many communities are grieving and struggling to rebuild their lives after the recent catastrophe brought by the devastating typhoon that claimed the lives of more than a hundred of our kababayans, it is only fitting that we stand in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones,” Catapang said.

“We are one with our fellow citizens who are still healing from the devastation, and with the responders working tirelessly in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts,” he added.

Catapang said the bureau will dedicate the occasion to reflection, prayer, and reaffirmation of its mandate to ensure safekeeping, rehabilitation, and compassionate service—especially in times of national distress.

He extended his sympathies to families affected by the typhoon and honored those who died in the line of service.

Guided by the President’s call for humility and sensitivity, Catapang said the BuCor stands with the Filipino people “in this time of significant hardship and loss” while showing the country’s enduring spirit of bayanihan.