The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has directed all operating prisons and penal farms nationwide to prepare contingency plans to address the potential effects of a very strong El Niño, particularly extreme heat and possible water shortages.
In a statement Friday, October 30, BuCor said Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered prison superintendents to submit their respective preparedness and response plans to the Office of the Director General (ODG) no later than November 2.
The ODG will consolidate and evaluate the submissions to determine appropriate measures for implementation across correctional facilities.
Catapang emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and BuCor personnel during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Under the directive, prison administrators must identify potential risks associated with El Niño and establish measures to ensure adequate water supply, conservation, food availability, sanitation, ventilation, and access to medical services.
Facilities must also strengthen emergency response procedures to address possible disruptions caused by high temperatures and water shortages.
Special attention will be given to PDLs and correctional employees who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and other health complications associated with extreme weather conditions.
Prison officials were instructed to establish monitoring systems, preventive measures, and medical referral procedures to ensure prompt intervention when health concerns arise.
The bureau stressed that proactive planning is necessary to prevent disruptions to daily prison operations and reduce health risks in correctional facilities.
“The directive forms part of the bureau’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional resilience. Through proactive planning, BuCor aims to minimize El Niño’s impact on prison communities and ensure correctional services continue safely and effectively,” BuCor said.
The agency said the contingency planning initiative is intended to strengthen the ability of prisons and penal farms to maintain safe and orderly operations despite the potential challenges posed by prolonged dry and hot weather conditions.
