USEC OSCAR C CALDERON
 Director, Bureau of Corrections


The Awakening . . . . It’s never too late.

      Throughout the years in our country's history, the treatment of people in prison evolved alongside the advancement of man's learning and understanding of fundamental human rights and aspirations. These days, prisoners are treated more humanely, neither as inanimate or unfeeling objects nor as objects themselves of unscrupulous personal whims – by both their safe-keepers and the society in general..

      Most of the world’s corrections advocacy is towards the transformation of inmates into becoming productive, responsible and law-abiding citizens – giving them the second chance. This vision is entirely worth pursuing, though it must be translated properly and effectively, from the instructive papers and philosophies, into clear and unambiguous systems or patterns of activities; into effective and sustainable formats of implementation efforts; into sound monitoring and feedback mechanisms; into organizational readiness to respond to recognized systemic and management deficiencies; and, into leadership and management capability to review and validate the philosophy itself beyond prejudice.

      These are the very raison d'ętre which catapult the ongoing BuCor Re-Engineering Program. And we are very grateful to report that we are already on the last leg of this long and tedious process. Sooner, we shall have the institutional correctional reforms that will truly respond and transform the lives of inmates in a very optimistic way, giving them better prospects of tomorrow. We shall also see a more dynamic and professional organization characterized by a more motivated and dedicated correctional officers.

      Today, as we commemorate the 104th Year Anniversary of the Bureau of Corrections and the 15th National Correctional Consciousness Week, we have all the reasons to rejoice for the endless contributions of every correctional officer who tirelessly whiff the air of grace and compassion to listen and share a caring heart. Together, we shall continue touching the lives of our inmates.

      Let us give our deepest gratitude to our very own Acting Secretary of Justice, Honorable Agnes VST Devanadera for her continued guidance and support. We are also very grateful for the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which acknowledges the importance of the corrections pillar in the criminal justice system.

     


                                                                         
                                                                          USEC OSCAR C CALDERON
                                                                          Director, Bureau of Corrections