2 LGUs donate lands to BuCor for regional prison facilities
Two local government units (LGUs) have donated lands to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for the establishment of regional prison facilities.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the LGUs that donated lands were the provincial government of Nueva Ecija and the town of Maigo in Lanao del Norte.
Catapang said that Nueva Ecija, through Gov. Aurelio Umali, donated 60 hectares of land in Pinaltakan, Palayan City.
A deed of donation for the initial 9.9 hectares of the 50 hectares committed by Maigo, Lanao del Norte Mayor Rafael Rizalda was signed last Oct. 13, he said.
He also said that BuCor’s long-term plan is to construct 16 regional facilities -- one for males and one for females in each region and 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,” he added.
He explained that the setting up of regional prison facilities is aimed at fostering familial proximity for inmates, which is vital in their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.