The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced the successful transfer of 150 inmates from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to the Leyte Regional Prison over the weekend. This transfer, part of a larger effort to reduce overcrowding at Bilibid, saw the inmates arrive at their new facility on the evening of January 19, 2025. The move aligns with plans to gradually close the New Bilibid Prison by 2028, with a total of 9,427 inmates having been relocated to various prison and penal farms so far. BuCor ensured that all transfer protocols were meticulously followed, including providing the inmates with haircuts and standard uniforms before departure.
In related news, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. revealed that a portion of the bureau’s PHP9.2 billion budget for the year, specifically PHP288 million, is dedicated to facilitating these transfers. Additionally, the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) is set to enhance its livelihood programs by introducing Batik weaving and hollow block production. Mary Jane Veloso, currently at CIW, will lead the Batik weaving initiative, sharing skills she acquired during her time in Indonesia. Other ongoing programs at CIW include beadwork, paper crafts, baking, painting, and solar panel assembly training.
Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Department of Justice (DOJ), BuCor, CIW, and the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines. This MOU aims to enhance the corrections system and empower female inmates through Project Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce (Project ARTE). The project focuses on technology upskilling and income generation, with the DOJ tasked with policy formulation and BuCor responsible for selecting suitable facilities and beneficiaries.