BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Severe congestion of national prisons

Number of Congestion
Prison facilities Inmates Capacity Rate

New Bilibid Prison (NBP) 21,106 9,007 134%

Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) 2,016 1,000 102%

Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm (IPPF) 2,716 911 198%

Davao Prison & Penal Farm 5,734 3,500 64%

Correctional Institution for Women - Mindanao 296 200 48%

San Ramon Prison & Penal Farm (SRPPF) 1,344 1,550 (13%)

Sablayan Prison & Penal Farm (SPPF) 2,438 1,065 129%

Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) 1,601 486 229%

Total 37,251 17,719 110%

New Bilibid Prison is by far the largest national penitentiary institution, accounting for almost 60% of the
inmates of the national prison system. The prison was established in 1940 to accommodate the inmates
from Old Bilibid Prison in Manila that was closed. Its initial capacity of 3,000 was gradually expanded to
9,300. However, this expansion was far from sufficient to match the rise in the number of inmates,
which now exceeds 21,000, or more than double the rated capacity. This has led to overcrowded,
unacceptable living conditions and lack of space and facilities to conduct rehabilitation programs. The
Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong is one of only two facilities for women operated by
the BuCor, the second one being a dependency situated on the grounds of the Davao Prison and Penal
Farm in Mindanao. The Correctional Institution for Women opened in 1931 allowing the transfer of
female prisoners from Old Bilibid prison. In 2000, a new four-story building was constructed, raising the
capacity of the facility to 1000 inmates. However, the number of inmates confined in the prison has
risen to over 2000, or more than twice the rated capacity. To accommodate this number many of the
common areas in the prison buildings (such as corridor and dining halls) have been converted into
dormitories.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Modern prison bases their design on the idea of punishment as our predecessors did, such as severity
and lack of privacy as well depravation of liberty. This implication of prison, however, leads to the heath
of the inmates and as well as their living conditions paying the price. The architecture of the prisons
therefore undervalues the prisoners’ health.
The national penitentiary institutions operated by the BuCor are severely congested and worn out. The
living conditions do not meet minimum international standards.

Overcrowding is of course dangerous to everyone’s health. It does not only breed diseases but also
breaks down discipline and worsens tensions. The current system of the prison is built to penalize and
not to rehabilitate.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Main Goal

To tackle common problem such as overpopulation, and undignified physical and mental health of
prisoners and to degenerate environmental quality in building a clear sense of space planning, built
environment and security but will also experience different atmosphere compared to the traditional
small prison facilities.

Objectives

 To construct a modern prison facility with higher security standards

 To conduct practice of modern prisoner treatment philosophies such as reformatory movement
which aims the reintegration of the prisoners to the society
 To solve the present prison overpopulation and meet the expected future growth of the number
of prisoners
 To ensure prisoner dignity through decent accommodations and humanitarian processes
towards reformation
 To create an environment for the inmates to make them build their broken lives and start living
a good life

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

As it focuses on community’s relationship in the existing prison /jail, it explores the idea that the jail and
the community can coexist in a given locality. The study forces society to ask the question, “Do we want
our prison to punish or to help reform the behavior of the prisoners?”

It largely involves the symbolic import of prisons to the community. Through rehabilitation society will
benefit for the better. The safe and humane environment creates and enriches not only the prisoners
but the urban fabric of our cities. It will help reform people to face society with a better behavior and
become a better member of the community.

LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE

The scope of this study is concentrated mainly to create a space that is beneficial in detaining inmates
and preparing them in reentering the community. Creating modular design is the solution to tackle
congestion of space. It supports inmates’ sleeping facilities and space for activities. It also establishes a
facility that assists reformatory movement that initiates in supporting disciplined inmates.