THE Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) yesterday said the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recently approved the inclusion of idle lands in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in the Palawan Mega Ecozone that will pave the way for the creation of the country’s first mega eco-industrial zone.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the initiative represents a major breakthrough in collaborative efforts between BuCor and PEZA for repurposing underutilized land within the IPPF into eco-industrial estates.
“Spanning an impressive 28,000 hectares, the first phase of this project has already set the groundwork with the transfer of 4,000 hectares for immediate development,” Catapang said.
He said a successful implementation of the Palawan Mega Ecozone could serve as a model for integrating sustainable practices within industrial frameworks while fostering economic resilience in the region, as well as in utilizing idle lands surrounding prisons and penal farms.
“The ecozone will also boost the transformation of the entire Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm into one of the largest open-air correctional facilities in the world that balances economic development, sustainability, and modern correctional reform,” the BuCor chief added.
Catapang said the proposed modernization and redevelopment of IPPF under the eco-industrial project will introduce world-class infrastructure, commercial hubs, mixed-use districts, institutional zones, eco-tourism, and agro-industrial projects.
“With a strategic location, abundant land, and strong government backing, the project will redefine urban planning, green energy solutions, and economic zones, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the county,” he added.
On Jan. 24, 2025, PEZA signed with BuCor a memorandum of agreement to initially develop more than 2,000 hectares inside the IPPF, kickstarting the initial phase of development for the Palawan Mega Ecozone.
PEZA said the ecozone will accommodate emerging and high-value industries like electric vehicle production, advanced manufacturing, green ores processing, nano tech, knowledge-based and AI-driven industries, medical-related industries, and blue industries.
Last month, Catapang also ordered prison and penal farms under the agency’s jurisdiction to explore the possibility of their areas being tapped as eco-tourism sites.
Catapang issued the order as he noted that most of the BuCor’s operating prison and penal farms (OPPFs) are usually surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems waiting to be tapped as eco-tourism sites that could offer visitors a unique and immersive experience.
Aside from the sprawling New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, the BuCor also operates the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Davao, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro and the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte.
The BuCor and the Department of Justice has laid out plans to close the NBP by 2028 and develop it in cooperation with the private sector, as a commercial and business area similar to the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Part of the plan includes transferring Bilibid inmates to other OPPFs and building regional prison facilities.
BuCor is also developing Iwahig as an agricultural and food production site.
