By Weng Ocfemia

MANILA — The Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) led the groundbreaking ceremony for a P470-million correctional facility to be built on a 60-hectare property in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, donated by the provincial government.

Bucor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. underscored the significance of the project, pointing to Republic Act No. 10575 which directs the agency to establish more correctional institutions to ensure humane custody and effective rehabilitation of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). He noted that the last regional prison facility was constructed 53 years ago in Leyte during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The planned facility is expected to house up to 7,500 PDLs and will feature maximum, medium, and minimum security camps, as well as a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, and a Correctional Institution for Women. It will also include vocational and livelihood areas, agricultural production zones, in-facility courtrooms, and housing for personnel.

Authorities said the complex will be equipped with extensive security measures such as fortified perimeter fencing, elevated guard towers, controlled entry points with monitored checkpoints, and advanced surveillance and communication systems. Solar lighting will also be installed to improve energy efficiency and security.

In his speech, Catapang expressed gratitude to Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali and residents of Palayan City for their support, adding that the project is expected to generate economic activity during construction. He said thousands of local workers are likely to be employed across multiple phases, boosting the regional economy.

Once completed, the facility is projected to create permanent positions for security staff, administrators, healthcare workers, and program personnel. It is also expected to increase demand for goods and services from local businesses and suppliers, while prompting improvements in infrastructure such as roads and utilities.

Catapang said the donated land will serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening a unified penology and correctional system, while optimizing land use for government facilities in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

During the ceremony, Bucor also issued the Notice of Award to the joint venture of Front Nine Konstruct Builders & Realty Dev Corp and Qonstech Construction Corp, which will undertake the project.

The correctional facility is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.