THE BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) said on Wednesday that it is rolling out several priority projects to upgrade the country’s penal facilities, following a 23% hike in its budget from P6.1 billion last year to P7.4 billion in 2024.
“The main focus of the 1st Command Conference was to discuss and strategize the bureau’s budget allocation,” the BuCor said in a statement after its key officials convened this week at its Muntinlupa City headquarters to discuss their strategies and priority projects which includes a P1-billion allocation for building a “supermax” facility for convicts of heinous crimes.
“The discussions were… a commitment to ensuring proper utilization of resources for the benefit of the bureau,” it added, noting a focus on improving the conditions in jail facilities, the enhancement of video surveillance systems, and the use of body cameras for prison personnel.
They also discussed the deployment of K9 units in all operating prisons and penal farms (OPPF).
BuCor is also studying possible collaborations with other agencies to create additional opportunities for its development, expressing its intent to engage in such partnerships.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. mentioned working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to construct the “supermax” jail facility.
Also, the BuCor is planning on acquiring earthmoving equipment for development projects as it expedites the land titling of all its properties and maximizing the utility of land acquired by OPPFs. — Jomel R. Paguian