Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. on Easter Sunday, April 20, urged personnel to remain committed to their work to rebuild the bureau that has been neglected for years.

“This Easter, I urge each one of you to renew your commitment to this vital work,” Catapang said in his Easter message.  

“Let us dedicate ourselves to serving our PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) with love and understanding, striving to bring about the positive changes that will shape Bucor’s future,” he also said. 

With collective efforts and divine guidance, Catapang declared that at the BuCor “we can transform not just the lives of the individuals within our walls, but also the legacy of Bucor itself.”

He lamented the many years of neglect that has resulted in a culture that has “weighed heavily on our system.”

“The congestion of PDLs is a pressing concern as it reflects not just numbers but real lives that deserve dignity, respect, and a second chance,” he stressed. 

He pointed out that the work at Bucor is not just management but also “we are entrusted with the noble task of safeguarding, reforming, and reintegrating those who have faltered back into society.”

“This is no small feat, but with spiritual courage and righteousness, we can overcome the pitfalls of complacency and neglect,” he assured. 

At the same time, Catapang told personnel that “we can foster a culture of responsibility and responsiveness among Bucor personnel.”

“It is critical that every member of our team understands their role not just as an enforcer of rules, but as a beacon of hope and change for the PDLs we serve,” he said. 

“Together, we can cultivate an environment where empathy and accountability reign, where our actions reflect the very values we aspire to uphold,” he added.