Some 1,000 newly recruited Corrections Officer 1 (CO1) personnel took their oath before Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. at the agency's national headquarters in Muntinlupa City.

The event marked a new chapter for the Bureau as the recruits prepare for deployment to correctional facilities across the country.

Of the 1,000 recruits, 455 will be assigned to the New Bilibid Prison and the Correctional Institution for Women, 200to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 92 to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 90 to the Zamboanga Prison and Penal Farm, 80 to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, and 83 to the Leyte Regional Prison.

In his address, Catapang emphasized the importance of integrity and vigilance.

"When you finish your training, do not allow yourselves to be corrupted by persons deprived of liberty," he said.

He also warned the recruits not to tolerate wrongdoing, including misconduct by fellow personnel.

"Working in BuCor is a sacrifice because you stand up for dignity and discipline," he added, noting that the Bureau continues to reform long-standing practices under his leadership.

Catapang also underscored the dual role of corrections officers in ensuring security while helping rehabilitate persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

"You need to help PDLs strengthen their lives, but before you can do that, you must straighten your own life first," he said.

To improve the welfare of BuCor personnel, Catapang announced housing initiatives in coordination with government agencies, including Pag-IBIG Fund.

He encouraged recruits to prioritize homeownership over taking multiple loans, saying the planned housing projects would provide quality living conditions comparable to established residential communities.

The BuCor chief also announced plans to train more female instructors so women recruits can receive guidance from fellow women officers, fostering a more supportive training environment.

In closing, Catapang urged the recruits to complete their training successfully and uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and public service throughout their careers.