Muntinlupa City: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced the transfer of 150 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) over the past weekend. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to decongest the NBP as authorities prepare for its phased closure by 2028.
According to Philippines News Agency, the total number of PDLs relocated from NBP to various Operating Prison and Penal Farms (OPPFs) now stands at 9,427. The transfer process was meticulous, with all individuals carefully identified and protocols strictly followed. Preparations for the transfer included grooming and the provision of standardized uniforms. The transferees reached the LRP on the night of January 19.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. revealed that PHP288 million of the bureau's PHP9.2 billion budget for the year has been earmarked for transferring NBP PDLs to different OPPFs, underscoring the significance of these relocations in the broader correctional reform strategy.
In a related development, Catapang discussed the enhancement of work and livelihood programs at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). The institution plans to introduce Batik weaving and hollow block making as new skills for female PDLs. Notably, Mary Jane Veloso, who learned Batik weaving during her incarceration in Indonesia, will share her skills with fellow inmates.
Existing programs at CIW include creating beads, paper crafts, baking, painting, and training in solar panel assembly. The Department of Justice (DOJ), BuCor, and CIW have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines. This partnership aims to improve the corrections system and empower women PDLs through Project Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce (Project ARTE).
The MOU outlines shared responsibilities and goals, with the DOJ tasked to devise policies for Project ARTE's implementation. BuCor will prioritize and identify correctional facilities for the project launch and select qualified PDLs as beneficiaries. Project ARTE, led by DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, represents a significant step in reforming and supporting female PDLs with the backing of the DOJ and BuCor.
