BuCor eyes 2,000 more personnel under three-year expansion plan

The Bureau of Corrections is seeking additional personnel as part of a three-year plan to strengthen its workforce and improve custodial security and rehabilitation, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said Friday.

Catapang said the bureau aims to increase its authorized positions from 8,589 in 2025 to 10,589 by 2028, or an additional 2,000 personnel. The plan will be implemented in phases to ensure staffing levels align with BuCor’s operational mandates.

To support the expansion, BuCor has allocated P7.3 million for the training and development of personnel, with programs set to begin in the first quarter of 2026. The bureau plans to streamline mandatory career courses, including the Corrections Officer Basic Recruit Course, Corrections Officer Junior Supervisory Course, and the Officer Candidate School–Corrections Officer Candidate Course.

Catapang said these courses are designed to equip personnel with essential skills and knowledge to meet the unique demands of correctional work.

He reported that by 2025, the number of filled positions had increased by 13.45 percent compared to the previous year. However, Catapang stressed that increasing headcount alone is not enough, noting the need to address rank distribution and staffing requirements across all levels.

As of 31 December 2025, BuCor recorded 8,749 filled positions, equivalent to a 92.58 percent fill rate — an improvement from 89.82 percent the previous year. The workforce includes 442 Correctional Technical Officers, 8,022 Correctional Officers, and 262 civilian staff members.

Despite the gains, Catapang said the bureau still has 699 unfilled positions, underscoring the need for sustained recruitment and strategic placement to maintain operational efficiency.

He also cited an imbalance in rank distribution, with a large concentration of personnel in entry-level positions. While this poses challenges for daily operations, Catapang said it also presents opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization.

Catapang added that anticipated retirements and high attrition rates could further strain manpower if not addressed proactively. In response, BuCor is enhancing its recruitment processes and developing internal talent through targeted training programs to prepare personnel for future leadership roles.