03-08-2025
BuCor - UP ink MoU land exchange use involving Laguna, Palawan
The Bureau of Corrections and the University of the Philippines have signed a memorandum of understanding for a land exchange use involving 500 hectares from both institutions.
In a statement released Sunday, the MOU was signed by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, Quezon City last Friday.
According to the statement, BuCor plans to establish a Regional Prison Facility (RPF) in Laguna, using 500 hectares from UP's Laguna-Quezon land grant.
Meanwhile, UP will gain access to 500 hectares of BuCor's land in Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City.
Catapang said the reciprocal arrangement is designed to maximize land use in a manner that aligns with the objectives of both organizations.
'This partnership addresses logistical needs, such as the establishment of a regional prison facility as we prepare for the closure of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City come 2028,' Catapang said.
The BuCor hear added the MOU could serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at enhancing public service and educational initiatives across the country.
For his part, Jimenez thanked the Bucor for entrusting UP with this partnership which will pave the way for the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) consisting of representatives from both BuCor and UP, tasked with exploring the feasibility of the proposed land utilization.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement for a tripartite partnership on education access and workforce development was also signed by Catapang, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of the UP Open University (UPOU), and Mr. Robert Lester Aranton , president of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA).
Under the MOA, the UPOU shall facilitate access to its Massive Open Online Courses, which include courses relevant to workforce development and professional growth for Bucor personnel and persons deprived of liberty while UPAA will coordinate between UPOU and Bucor with regard to information materials, PDLs inquiries, enlistment and participation and guidance during program implementation.
The UPAA shall also make the services of its Job Placement Office available for PDLs who have graduated from the UPOU under this program and who are due for release from Bucor.
The statement said the latest initiative aims to make education accessible and transformative, offering hope, dignity, and second chances to PDLs.
