Care for Carers Batch 2: NCAF Leadership Journey for BuCor Personnel

From June 4 to 5, 2026, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), in collaboration with the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS), conducted 2nd Batch of Care for Carers: Leadership Journey Retreat Workshop at the Montserrat Center for Religious Formation in Silang, Cavite.

Building on the fruits of the first batch, this second Leadership Journey Retreat Workshop continued the shared commitment of NCAF and PJPS to accompany and form the men and women who serve within the correctional system. While much attention is often given to the rehabilitation and transformation of Persons Deprived of Liberty, this initiative recognizes that those entrusted with leadership, responsibility, and care also need spaces for reflection, renewal, and formation.

The retreat gathered personnel from various offices and camps of the Bureau of Corrections, including the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). Participants came from the Office of the Deputy Director General for Security and Operations, the Work and Livelihood Division, the Moral and Spiritual Division, the Sports and Recreation Division, the Reception and Diagnostic Center, and the Maximum, Medium, and Minimum Security Camps.

For two days, participants stepped away from the demands of their daily responsibilities and entered a space dedicated to listening, reflection, prayer, and renewal.

Through personal testimonies and guided sessions, participants were invited to look beyond titles and positions and reflect on the deeper meaning of leadership. They were reminded that true leadership is not measured solely by authority or responsibility, but by integrity, compassion, humility, and service.

The retreat also provided opportunities for personal reflection and discernment. Participants revisited the experiences that shaped them, reflected on their vocation as public servants, and reconnected with the values that guide their work. In the process, they were encouraged to care not only for those they serve but also for their own well being and growth.

Representing PJPS in this collaborative formation initiative was Ma. Katherine Guaño. Facilitating the program on behalf of NCAF were John Paulo “Jampao” C. Reyes, Jaime C. Lopa, Lorena S. Sorongon, Henri A. Macatangay, and Nmanuel G. De Leon, Jr. Through their stories, insights, and accompaniment, they helped create a meaningful and transformative experience for all participants.

For PJPS, this partnership reflects a broader understanding of prison ministry. Our mission does not only involve accompanying Persons Deprived of Liberty and supporting our scholars and their families. It also includes journeying with the officers and personnel who serve within the correctional system every day. These individuals play an important role in creating environments where dignity, rehabilitation, accountability, and hope can flourish.

Care for Carers reminds us that formation is not only for those behind bars. It is also for those entrusted with leadership, responsibility, and care.

When we care for carers, we strengthen the entire community that works toward healing, restoration, and transformation. We nurture leaders who are guided not only by competence, but by conscience, compassion, and commitment to the dignity of every person.

As we continue this shared mission, we invite our donors, volunteers, partners, and friends to journey with us in supporting programs that form communities of hope both inside and beyond prison walls.

Together, may we continue building a more compassionate and restorative society.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.