In anticipation of the severe weather phenomenon and potential water supply issues, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has ordered all penal farms and prison facilities to formulate comprehensive preparedness strategies.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized that these precautionary measures must safeguard not only persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) but also the staff operating the facilities.
According to Catapang, the contingency frameworks must address essential daily services, prioritizing the overall health, safety, and welfare of everyone inside the institutions.
“The contingency plan should include possible challenges associated with prolonged heat and water shortages, including the availability and conservation of water, adequate food supplies, medical services, sanitation, ventilation, and emergency response measures,” said Catapang.
The bureau chief further instructed officials to proactively identify employees and PDLs who have pre-existing health conditions or are especially vulnerable to high temperatures. Proper monitoring protocols, preventative health steps, and swift medical referral procedures must also be set up to handle emergencies.
Catapang stressed that early preparation is vital to keeping correctional operations stable and preventing unrest during climate-driven disruptions. To guarantee compliance, facility superintendents are required to submit their finalized El Niño strategies to the Office of the Director General by November 2 for consolidation and national evaluation.