The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has opened formal talks with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to explore ways of harmonizing land use for the establishment of regional prison facilities across the country.
The initiative is part of BuCor’s mandate under Republic Act No. 10575 and supports its responsibility to build specialized facilities for persons convicted of heinous crimes, as provided under Republic Act No. 11928.
During a meeting at the NewCon office inside the New Bilibid Prison compound, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and NCIP Chairperson Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua affirmed their agencies’ commitment to work together in the interest of national development.
Both officials agreed on the need to form a technical working group to find practical solutions that would address the objectives of BuCor while respecting the NCIP’s mandate to protect ancestral domains.
Dr. Pascua commended BuCor for actively engaging other government agencies, particularly in supporting rehabilitation efforts alongside national food security goals. She also assured that NCIP is ready to prioritize open dialogue and cooperation.
“We will put aside any jurisdictional conflicts and work closely with you to meet our shared goals,” Pascua said.
Established under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, the NCIP is tasked with protecting the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities, making the cooperation with BuCor an important step toward strengthening cultural preservation and responsible land management.
As part of the ongoing discussions, NCIP also encouraged BuCor to propose the development of a mineral zone to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as part of its plan for the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
The proposed mineral zone would help create economic opportunities by supporting the local processing of raw materials before export. By aligning their plans, both agencies hope to strike a balance between protecting Indigenous rights and advancing sustainable development within the corrections system.