THE Bureau of Corrections yesterday inked an agreement with a business firm to help employ former inmates as part of its effort to integrate them into society and help reduce recidivism among released inmates.
The signing of the agreement with BP One Foods Incorporated was held during the celebration of National Corrections Consciousness Week.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said under the agreement, the Bureau, through its Directorate for External Relations (DER), shall implement the pre-release and post-release reintegration programs for former inmates, which includes securing support from family and community before the release period and securing acceptance from family and community after their release.
The program also includes sending referral letters to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and private institutions or sectors to seek assistance in areas such as employment, livelihood programs, medical support and financial aid for released clients.
“This program employs a holistic approach to monitoring the overall well-being of released PDLs, including their reintegration into familial and community settings,” Catapang said during the signing ceremony with BP One Foods Inc. president Antonio Sebastian Escalante.
Escalante’s company will provide job opportunities for reformed and released inmates.
“BP One Foods Inc. is committed to actively supporting the reintegration of former persons deprived of liberty by providing (them) meaningful employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of providing a supportive work environment that fosters growth and development for the reformed PDL,” Catapang added.
Aside from BP One Foods Inc., Catapang said San Miguel Corporation has also expressed willingness to employ former inmates who will finish their college degree courses at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Bilibid Extension School program.
“This is only the beginning of BuCor’s strengthened partnership with the business sector. We intend to pursue more of this collaboration to empower and enable former PDLs to build productive lives and make positive contributions to their communities,” Catapang added.
Catapang emphasized the need and commitment to further strengthen the existing reformation programs for inmates and the introduction of the reintegration program.
BuCor said 16,657 inmates have been released since 2022 as part of the agency’s overall effort to decongest its prison facilities, especially the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
