Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has received more than 100 hectares in donated land from Nueva Ecija and Lanao del Norte, boosting its planned merging with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). The Nueva Ecija provincial government, through Governor Aurelio Umali, donated 60 hectares of land located in Pinaltakan, Palayan City. Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo, Lanao del Norte followed with a signed a deed of donation for the initial 9.9 hectares of the 50 hectares of land committed.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release on Friday, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the donations will serve as future sites of regional prison facilities. 'Their donations will lay the groundwork for the establishment of critical infrastructure projects that will pave the way for a unified penology and correctional system by merging the BuCor and the BJMP,' Catapang said.

He said the land donations will enhance the correctional system and optimize land use for government facilities. He added that the regionalization of corrections facilities aims to foster familial proximity for inmates, which is vital in their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

'Our long-term plan includes the construction of 16 regional facilities -- one for males and one for females in each region, along with specialized facilities for heinous crime offenders," he said. 'The aim is to transform the current prison system to accommodate around 2,500 persons deprived of liberty per facility, reflecting a commitment to a more humane and effective correctional environment,' Catapang said.