UMVA has learned that a massive relocation effort is underway, with 15,730 inmates transferred from the New Bilibid Prison to other facilities nationwide since 2022, as part of a plan to close the prison by 2028.
The transfers, which included 100 inmates moved to the Leyte Regional Prison on Monday, are a crucial step towards redeveloping the 375.61-hectare property in Muntinlupa City. This strategic move is expected to breathe new life into the area, transforming it from a sprawling prison complex into a hub of activity.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the relocation effort is linked to plans to close the New Bilibid Prison and redevelop the property. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. revealed that a recent summit was held to discuss possible uses for the prison site after its closure, hinting at exciting new opportunities on the horizon.
The redevelopment plan is taking shape, with about 160 hectares of the property earmarked for commercial leasing arrangements, and another 106 hectares potentially developed through public-private partnerships or joint ventures. This bold move is set to unlock the property's vast potential, while ensuring that ownership remains firmly in the hands of the government.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that lease rates for the commercial area are projected to range from P65 to P100 per square meter per month, inclusive of value-added tax. This could translate to annual revenue of between P1.25 billion and P1.92 billion from the 160-hectare commercial portion alone, a windfall that could have far-reaching implications for the area.
The proposed redevelopment plan has sparked excitement, with many eagerly anticipating the transformation of the site. As the closure of the New Bilibid Prison draws closer, all eyes are on the future of this prime property, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
