ASEAN prison leaders meet in Puerto Princesa to address challenges and sign ecozone deal

Prison service leaders from ASEAN member-countries gathered in Puerto Princesa City on Friday for the 2nd ASEAN Regional Corrections Conference (ARCC) to address common challenges in penal systems.

The conference, held until February 17 at the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and transform prison systems to tackle global issues.

Topics include advancing rehabilitation, security, alternative sentencing methods, and utilizing digital innovations for managing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. highlighted a memorandum of understanding signed between BuCor and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to develop an ecozone on idle land at Iwahig Prison.

The agreement aims to generate sustainable economic opportunities by leasing assets for development, which could also stimulate job creation in rural areas and enhance overall productivity.