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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BuCor eyes solar energy to power prison facilities nationwide

BuCor eyes solar energy to power prison facilities nationwide

Published Jan 27, 2026 01:34 pm
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is eyeing solar energy to power the country’s prison facilities where it spends an average of P162 million annually for electricity costs.
“We have to innovate and think of ways on how to maximize our resources and going solar is the way to go to save costs on electricity,” said BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr.
Catapang signed on Monday, Jan. 26, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BDLS Core Energy and Construction Solutions, Inc. president Romel Paradero to look into establishing solar energy facilities that will power the country’s prisons.
“The objective of this MOU is to establish a cooperative framework between BDLS and the BuCor for the conduct of a feasibility and viability study on converting correctional facilities to solar energy and other renewable energy applications,” the BuCor said.
Under the MOU, the bureau said that BDLS will conduct, at no cost to the government, a technical and financial feasibility study to assess the viability of converting correctional facilities to solar power or other renewable energy sources, prepare and submit a comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to the BuCor and ensure that the study is conducted in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and regulations.
For its part, the BuCor will grant BDLS access to the correctional facilities and premises necessary for conducting the study.
Of the P162 million annual expenses for electricity costs, P102 million is spent for electricity consumption of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), the BuCor’s national headquarters in Muntinlupa City, and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
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