The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is entering into a new role: fostering economic development while at the same time reforming persons deprived of liberty (PDL).
This is the main goal of the new 2,800-hectare Regional Prison Facility (RPF) that is set to rise in the town of Silago, Southern Leyte.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado recently led the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) establishing the Silago RPF at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City.
The RPF is envisioned as a Special Economic Zone integrating correctional, agro-industrial, and eco-tourism components.
Under the terms of the agreement, BuCor will take the lead on planning and designing the facility while mobilizing technical resources and coordinating with national agencies.
On the other hand, the provincial government of Southern Leyte will provide the necessary local clearances, support services, and community coordination.
Together, they aim to create a Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee project development, fostering a collaborative spirit that engages both government entities and local communities.
In a statement, Catapang said this marks a significant step towards modernizing the correctional system in the Philippines, aiming not only to enhance public safety but also to foster socio-economic growth in the Eastern Visayas region.
He said Silago has been recognized for its strategic location, with proximity to seaports and airports that can facilitate logistics and access, making the proposed RPF easily integrated to the envisioned special economic zone, with opportunities for agro-industrial and eco-tourism development.
“This multifunctional approach not only aims to transform correctional facilities into self-sustaining communities but also opens avenues for local economic growth. The project symbolizes a new phase in the correctional landscape of the Philippines, advocating for restorative justice and sustainable development,” Catapang said.
(With report from PNA)
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