Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Officials from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will formalize this week arrangements for the establishment of economic zones on idle lands within penal facilities throughout the country.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and PEZA Director General Tereso Panga will enter into a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with both agencies to identify portions of BuCor properties that can be developed into economic zones with special focus on Palawan as an agricultural and economic zone that can contribute to food security, the BuCor said in a statement.
Catapang said "under Republic Act (RA) 10575, otherwise known as 'Bureau of Corrections Act 2013' which provides for the modernization, professionalism and restructuring of the bureau, the BuCor may opt to plan, develop, operate, and segregate portion of its land for the use of Special Economic Zones."
He added RA 10575 also provides that BuCor’s lands shall be used for inmates’ security, reformation programs and as a means to promote sustainability, both for income and non-income generating programs, with or without partnerships among non-government, civic organizations or other government entities.
Considering that the BuCor can be a vital partner in attracting foreign direct investments and in creating economic opportunities within the PEZA legal framework, both agencies have agreed to work together by forging their alliance through MOA. (PNA)
