PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The picturesque setting of Sabang Beach in Palawan became the backdrop for the 2nd ASEAN Regional Corrections Conference 2025 (ARCC 2025), which commenced on February 14 and will continue until February 17. The conference, hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, saw the gathering of prison service leaders from across the ASEAN member-countries, aiming to forge unified strategies to tackle challenges within the region’s penal systems.
Building on the foundation laid by the inaugural ARCC at the Malaysian Correctional Academy in Langkawi last year, this year’s conference is set to delve into critical areas such as enhancing regional cooperation in corrections, transforming prison systems to meet global challenges, pinpointing the underlying causes of correctional issues, and crafting collaborative solutions.
The agenda also includes discussions on advancing rehabilitation, improving security measures, exploring alternative sentencing, and leveraging digital innovations for managing and profiling persons deprived of liberty (PDL). The conference aims to position ASEAN as a leading example in modern correctional practices globally.
A significant topic on the table is the development of a system for transferring prisoners serving sentences in foreign countries. Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. highlighted the interest from several countries in investing in penal colony assets and initiatives to enhance the productivity of PDLs.
Catapang also mentioned a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BuCor and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), aimed at transforming 2,000 hectares of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm’s 25,000 hectares into the Palawan Mega Economic Zone. This initiative aligns with the BuCor Modernization Act, which seeks to utilize prison lands for both inmate rehabilitation and economic development.
The director general expressed optimism about the potential of the Iwahig land, noting interest from parties looking to lease the property for more productive uses. The establishment of an economic zone at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm has prompted BuCor and PEZA to advocate for the inclusion of Mimaropa, particularly Palawan, in the Luzon Economic Growth area, a move that could lead to the development of a major airport in Palawan, significantly boosting tourism.
Catapang emphasized the strategic use of BuCor’s assets to expand beyond Metro Manila, aiming to enhance food security and stimulate job creation in rural areas, thereby improving productivity and income for local residents and qualified PDLs.