New bilibid prison to relocate to palawan

This relocation is set to open new opportunities for economic and agricultural development, incorporating BuCor’s vast land assets into the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The decision, revealed by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. during the bureau’s 119th founding anniversary, aligns with the agency’s long-term vision of maximizing its resources for public benefit.

Catapang shared that the transfer would involve “closing down the maximum, minimum, and medium security compounds” at NBP’s current location, with only the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) remaining to process incoming inmates.

“For your advanced information, itong (this) New Bilibid Prison, we will close down… New Bilibid Prison Muntinlupa will be transferred to New Bilibid Prison Palawan,” he said.

The relocation aims to free up the highly valuable land in Muntinlupa for potential development, while Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa will take over as the new base for NBP.

Additionally, the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) will also be moved to Palawan.

“Mag-iiwan lang tayo dito ng RDC, and then of course pati ‘yung CIW (Correctional Institution for Women) ililipat na rin natin ‘yan sa Palawan, CIW Palawan. Magsisimula na tayo maglipat (We will just leave the RDC here, and the CIW will also be transferred to Palawan. We will start the transfer),” Catapang confirmed.

The plan also emphasizes agricultural development at BuCor’s Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Mindoro, covering 9,000 hectares, and the 27,000-hectare Iwahig Penal Farm.

Catapang highlighted the farms’ role in boosting food security and developing eco-industrial zones, with assistance from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for transforming Iwahig into an eco-industrial township.

“The integration of BuCor’s assets in Mindoro into the Luzon Economic Corridor signifies a proactive step towards harnessing the potential of these facilities for economic development and societal benefit,” he added.

By 2026, BuCor aims to introduce a seagoing vessel to facilitate the distribution of farm produce from these prison lands to Manila, while also ensuring secure transport for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Catapang noted that this endeavor aligns with the goals of the Marcos administration, “to elevate the Philippines to an upper middle-income economy, showcasing a commitment to progress and inclusive growth.”