Philippine Government Institutionalizes Gender-Responsive Standards
for Women Deprived of Liberty
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, BJMP Chief Jail Director Ruel S. Rivera, and BUCOR Director General Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. sign the landmark Joint Memorandum Circular,
institutionalizing gender-responsive detention and promoting the empowerment of women deprived of liberty.
In a landmark move to uphold the rights and dignity of women deprived of liberty (WDL), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) signed a Memorandum Circular on Guidelines for Gender-Responsive Detention Facilities and Services.
The ceremonial signing, led by PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, BJMP Chief JDir. Ruel S. Rivera, and BUCOR Director General Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr., marks a transformative moment in the nation’s approach to detention—shifting the focus from mere confinement toward dignity, empowerment, and rehabilitation.
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla delivering her opening remarks during the ceremonial signing
of the PCW-BJMP-BUCOR Joint Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Gender-Responsive Detention Facilities and Services.
“The policy that we developed and adopted now, is proof that this administration is not only just—it is compassionate. It is working to transform lives even when Filipinos are deprived of liberty.,” said PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla. “We have a government that gives people a chance to experience the promise that this administration will leave no one behind.”
The Joint Memorandum Circular provides a comprehensive framework for detention facilities—including city, district, municipal, provincial, and correctional institutions—to implement humane and gender-responsive policies and services for women. This includes elderly WDL, women with disabilities, pregnant women, and new mothers with infants. It also emphasizes preparing women and their families for reintegration into society while establishing a robust system for monitoring and evaluating these practices.
BJMP Chief JDir. Ruel S. Rivera and BUCOR Director General Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. delivering their messages of support during the ceremonial signing
of the PCW-BJMP-BUCOR Joint Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Gender-Responsive Detention Facilities and Services.
BJMP Chief Rivera underscored the bureau’s commitment to lead by example: “We aim to ensure that we will never become the perpetrators—in the workplace, at home, or anywhere else,” he said, highlighting the importance of fostering respect and equality within and beyond detention facilities.
Director General Catapang added, “Ipaglalaban natin ang human rights ng mga kababaihan na kinukupkop namin. Makakaasa po kayo na kapag lumaya na sila, mayroon silang strong second chance na makabalik sa kanilang pamilya at lipunan, at makakatulong sa ating bayan.”
Press Conference on Operationalizing the Joint Memorandum Circular
Following the signing, a press conference was held with various media networks. Journalists inquired about the importance of the guidelines, how their implementation will be ensured, and whether sufficient resources and budget have been allocated to sustain them.
PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, BUCOR Director General Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr., and BJMP JCSupt. Filipinas Fulgencio with members of the media during the press conference
on the Joint Memorandum Circular on Gender-Responsive Detention Facilities and Services.
PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla, BUCOR Director General Catapang, and BJMP JCSupt. Filipinas Fulgencio addressed these questions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to turn policy into meaningful action. BJMP JCSupt. Fulgencio highlighted a notable outcome from their livelihood programs inside detention facilities: one female person deprived of liberty was able to post bail for herself using funds she earned through these programs. While not a direct result of the Joint Memorandum Circular, this example illustrates the potential of structured support initiatives to empower women even while confined.
The officials highlighted that the initiative translates policy into actionable standards aimed at improving conditions, services, and opportunities for women deprived of liberty. Coordinated action, proper planning, and compassionate governance, they noted, can create lasting, transformative impact behind bars.
PCW Deputy Executive Director for Operations Ms. Anita E. Baleda delivers her closing remarks during the ceremonial signing
of the PCW-BJMP-BUCOR Joint Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Gender-Responsive Detention Facilities and Services.
To conclude the event, PCW Deputy Executive Director for Operations Anita E. Baleda delivered her closing message, highlighting the broader significance of the JMC for gender-responsive governance and the protection of women’s rights. She affirmed that the JMC reflects a government choosing to act with both compassion and courage, and reiterated PCW’s commitment to bringing the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women (NAP-EVAW) to life at every level of governance. She emphasized that lasting change is achieved when institutions work together with empathy, consistency, and purpose.
While signing the joint memorandum circular, the Bureau of Corrections and PCW agreed to work on various means of decongesting the jails, especially through exploring practical non-custodial options.
With the signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular, the government reinforces that women deprived of liberty deserve dignity, respect, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. This initiative sets a new standard for detention facilities, strengthens rehabilitation programs, and underscores the potential of government action to translate policy into meaningful change for women and communities.