The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is taking steps to optimize the potential of its prison and penal farms (OPPFs) across the country in order to create more opportunities for the bureau’s development. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang recently emphasized the importance of entering into business ventures with the private sector, highlighting the success of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) as a prime example.
The DPPF has been able to generate substantial monthly revenue, earning at least P22 million through the lease of its land to the Tagum Agricultural Development Co. Inc. (Tadeco), a company specializing in the production of Cavendish bananas. Out of the total land area of 8,445.13 hectares in the DPPF, more than 5,000 hectares have been leased to Tadeco. The plantation yields an average of 5,000 boxes of bananas per hectare annually, which are exported to various countries including Japan, Korea, the Middle East, Hong Kong, China, Russia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
BuCor receives a share from the annual banana production, and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) also benefit from employment opportunities in the packaging of the produce. Director General Catapang envisions replicating this success in other regions, stating, “Just imagine if each region is earning at least P20 million a month just like in Davao, we will be able to generate more or less a billion worth of funds for BuCor.” He further explains that the salaries of BuCor personnel will be the only government expenditure, as the sustenance for PDLs will be sourced from the earnings derived from the bureau’s properties.
Another OPPF that is set to benefit from a sustainable development program is the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan. The Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security (RISE) program aims to ensure food security and sustainability for PDLs and nearby communities. Initially, 50 hectares of the IPPF’s total land area of 28,326.41 hectares will be utilized under the RISE Project. This initiative aligns with BuCor’s commitment to providing proper sustenance to those within penitentiary institutions.
In addition to food security, the IPPF is being considered as the first mega-economic zone to attract significant investments, as it will have access to power, water supply, and a port. Similarly, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City is exploring opportunities for economic development. Supt. Vic Domingo Suyat has informed Director General Catapang of ongoing negotiations for the possibility of leasing 15 hectares out of the SRPPF’s 664.71 hectares for a solar project. Additionally, 60 hectares of SRPPF’s land will be converted into an economic zone to attract foreign investments.
BuCor, with a total land area of 48,783.31 hectares, recognizes the potential for converting its properties into agro and aqua-culture sites as well as economic zones. This strategic approach not only contributes to the country’s food security and sufficiency goals but also fosters economic development. During BuCor’s first command conference in 2024, Director General Catapang presided over discussions on the details of how these plans will be implemented.
To effectively engage with investors and other stakeholders, BuCor aims to expedite the titling of all its properties nationwide. These titles will serve as legal instruments and provide the bureau with the necessary framework to facilitate partnerships and collaborations.
BuCor’s proactive stance in maximizing the utility of OPPFs demonstrates its commitment to creating opportunities for development. By leveraging partnerships with the private sector and exploring sustainable initiatives, BuCor is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also contributing to the overall progress of the country.
Source: The Manila Times
