The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has initiated a collaborative dialogue with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) aimed at optimizing land allocation for the establishment of regional prison facilities across the country.
This outreach aligns with BuCor’s mandate under Republic Act No. 10575 and its endeavor to set up specialized facilities for heinous crimes as outlined in Republic Act No. 11928.
During a recent meeting held at the NewCon office within the New Bilibid Prison compound, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and NCIP Chairperson Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua expressed their mutual commitment to working together for the nation’s welfare.
Both leaders recognized the pressing need for a technical working group to assess feasible solutions that balance the goals of both agencies.
Dr. Pascua commended BuCor for proactively seeking collaboration with other government entities, particularly in supporting food security initiatives while simultaneously focusing on the rehabilitation of individuals deprived of liberty.
She emphasized the NCIP’s readiness to set aside any jurisdictional conflicts that may arise during their partnership, prioritizing open dialogue to achieve shared objectives.
The NCIP, established under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and their ancestral domains, making this cooperation not only a strategic alliance but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the agency’s mission of cultural preservation and land protection.
Furthermore, the NCIP urged BuCor to consider proposing a mineral zone to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in its plan at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
This initiative would allow for the local development of raw materials, fostering economic sustainability by processing resources domestically before exporting them. By aligning their efforts, both agencies aim to create a more effective and just system that respects Indigenous rights while addressing the complex challenges within the corrections framework.
