By Benjamin Pulta

MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Tuesday said it has transferred 150 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) over the weekend.
In a statement, the BuCor said the move is part of a broader initiative to decongest the NBP in preparation for its phased closure by 2028.
“This brings to 9,427 the total number of PDLs from NBP transferred to various Operating Prison and Penal Farm (OPPFs),” the BuCor said.
The BuCor said all individuals listed in the transfer order were carefully identified, ensuring that all necessary protocols were followed. Preparations included haircuts and the issuance of standardized uniforms consisting of T-shirts and shorts.
The transferees arrived at the LRP on the night of Jan. 19, it said.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. earlier said that PHP288 million of the bureau’s PHP9.2 billion total budget for this year has been allotted for the transfer of NBP PDLs to various OPPFs.
Livelihood program for female PDLs
Meanwhile, Catapang disclosed that the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) will intensify its work and livelihood program with the introduction of Batik weaving and hollow block making.
Catapang said they will tap Mary Jane Veloso, who is confined at the CIW, to teach her fellow PDLs the techniques in weaving Batik which she learned during her incarceration in Indonesia.
Other livelihood programs being implemented at CIW include making beads, paper crafts, baking, painting, and training for solar panel assembly.
Catapang said the Department of Justice (DOJ), BuCor and CIW has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines to improve the country’s corrections system while safeguarding and empowering women PDLs.
Under the MOU, both parties affirm their mutual responsibilities and goals in furtherance of Project Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce (Project ARTE) geared towards improving the lives of PDLs through nationwide technology upskilling and income generation programs.
Based on the MOU, the DOJ is tasked to formulate the policies and roadmap in the planning and implementation of Project ARTE, while the BuCor, shall facilitate the prioritization and identification of correctional facilities for the initial launch of the project and its subsequent undertakings, as well as the selection of qualified PDLs who will become beneficiaries.
Project ARTE is a flagship reformation and livelihood project for women PDLs under the leadership of DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, with the full support of the DOJ and BuCor. (PNA)