THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will formalize this week agreements to set up economic zones on idle lands within penal colonies in the country.
BuCor chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and PEZA director general Tereso Panga are set to forge an agreement to identify areas within penal colonies that could 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 a memorandum of agreement.