On 11 July 2025, a thanksgiving mass was held at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, in celebration of the birthday of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) DIRECTOR GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, and in anticipation of the upcoming birthday of Department of Justice (DOJ) UNDERSECRETARY MARGARITA GUTIERREZ on 13 July 2025.
The mass was officiated by Father Junji Bargayo of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. (PJPS) and served as a solemn gathering for prayers of thanksgiving. It was attended by BuCor personnel and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Separately, the DOJ, through UNDERSECRETARY GUTIERREZ and in partnership with health-tech company 1LIFE, also conducted a medical mission at CIW on the same day. The initiative delivered essential healthcare services to 400 PDLs, including diagnostic screenings, medical consultations, and preventive care.
The medical mission was made possible through the leadership of UNDERSECRETARY GUTIERREZ and the support of 1LIFE, a company dedicated to enhancing healthcare access through innovative technology, efficient diagnostics, and improved facility operations.
Also in attendance were DOJ UNDERSECRETARY DEO MARCO, BuCor ASSISTANT SECRETARY AL I PERRERAS, Deputy Director General for Administration; CT/CSUPT MARIA FE R MARQUEZ, MNSA, Head Executive Assistant, Office of the Director General; and CT/CSUPT. MA. CECILIA V VILLANUEVA, MD, CPro, Director of the Directorate for Health and Welfare Service, and concurrent Chief of the NBP Hospital.
CIW Acting Superintendent CT/SUPT MARJORIE ANN P SANIDAD, MD, RN, FIAMS, along with CIW officials and staff, ensured the smooth and orderly implementation of both activities.
The DOJ and BuCor continue to demonstrate their commitment to holistic care within correctional facilities, safeguarding both the physical health and spiritual welfare of those under their custody.
