MANILA — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is planning to add 2,000 new positions over the next three years as part of efforts to upgrade prison services, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said Friday.

Catapang said the agency has adopted a comprehensive workforce plan for 2026 to 2028 that will increase authorized positions from 8,589 in 2025 to 10,589 by 2028. The plan will be implemented through phased approvals to ensure alignment with BuCor’s mandates.

As of December 31, 2025, BuCor reported 8,749 filled positions, representing a 92.58 percent fill rate, up from 89.82 percent the previous year. These include 442 Correctional Technical Officers, 8,022 Correctional Officers, and 262 civilian personnel.

Despite the improvement, Catapang said 699 positions remain vacant, underscoring the need for continued recruitment and strategic deployment to maintain operational efficiency.

He also cited an imbalance in rank distribution, with a high concentration of entry-level personnel, noting that while this presents operational challenges, it also offers opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Catapang added that the expansion plan must also address anticipated retirements and high attrition rates, which could further strain the workforce if left unresolved.

To address these concerns, BuCor has committed to strengthening recruitment efforts and developing internal talent through targeted training programs to fill vacancies and prepare personnel for future leadership roles.

The bureau has allocated PHP7.3 million for personnel training and development. Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, BuCor will streamline mandatory career courses, including the Corrections Officer Basic Recruit Course, Corrections Officer Junior Supervisory Course, and the Officer Candidate School–Corrections Officer Candidate Course.

“These programs are designed to equip personnel with essential skills and knowledge to meet the demands of their duties,” Catapang said.