1. What do you know about the Bureau of Corrections?

(Applicants may
answer by stating the BUCOR Mission, Vision, Core Values and its
Mandates)

What I know about the Bureau of Corrections is that it is an agency under

the Department of Justice that is responsible for the safekeeping and
rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty who are sentenced to more than
three years.

Its mission is:

'To protect the public by safekeeping and reforming persons under our
custody adhering to international standards of corrections service.'

Its vision is:

'A safer society by 2028 through reformed persons reintegrated by a highly
efficient and competent corrections service.'

Its core values are:

God-Centered, Vigilance, Innovativeness, Integrity, and Commitment.

Its mandates and functions are:

Safekeeping and instituting reformation programs to national inmates
sentenced to more than 3 years.

2. What are the BUCOR’s Core Values? Then choose one from those
to expound your understanding.

The Core Values of BuCor are God-Centered, Vigilance,

Innovativeness, Integrity, and Commitment.

1. God-Centered - Centering our lives joyfully and dynamically upon the

person of God.

Expounded: Being God-centered means making God the center of

everything we do. It’s about reflecting His values — compassion, humility,
and justice — in how we act towards others. In a corrections environment,
this core value reminds us to treat inmates, colleagues, and the public with
respect and kindness, upholding high moral standards in our daily duties.

2. Vigilance - We are committed to enhance public safety by being

responsible to the extreme demands of corrections duties.

Expounded: Vigilance is about being alert and proactive. In corrections, it’s

essential to always be watchful to prevent any threats or risks. Whether it’s
ensuring inmate safety or maintaining order, vigilance helps us react quickly
and responsibly, keeping the public and the facility secure at all times.

3. Innovativeness - We seek continuing advancement in corrections

management in order to face emerging challenges and to optimize the
application of resources

Expounded: Innovativeness is about improving and evolving. In BuCor, it’s

important to keep finding new ways to solve problems, whether it’s through
better rehabilitation programs, modernizing security measures, or optimizing
resources. This value shows the importance of staying open to new ideas
and methods to address the challenges in the correctional system.

4. Integrity - We promote accountability, equity, and inclusiveness by

adhering to high ethical and moral standards.

Expounded: Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is
watching. It’s about being honest, fair, and transparent in all our actions. In
BuCor, it’s crucial to maintain integrity because we are trusted with the
responsibility of taking care of people in our custody. Integrity ensures that
everyone is treated fairly and that we uphold the trust given to us by society.

5. Commitment - We are committed to attend to all applicants or requesting

parties who are within the premises of the office prior to the end of official
working hours and during lunch break.

Expounded: Commitment is about being dedicated to your duties and

responsibilities. It’s about giving your best effort, even during busy times or
beyond regular working hours. In BuCor, commitment ensures that the
needs of others are met, and that we continue to serve with dedication, no
matter the time or circumstances.

3. How do you see Bureau of Corrections in five (5) years?

In the next five years, I see the Bureau of Corrections making significant
progress, especially in terms of modernization and rehabilitation. I believe
technology will play a bigger role in improving efficiency, transparency, and
security within the system.

At the same time, I hope to see more focus on helping persons deprived of
liberty prepare for life after prison—through education, skills training, and
moral recovery programs. These steps are important not just for them, but
for building a safer and more productive society.

I also see the Bureau becoming more professionalized, with well-trained

personnel who are committed to public service and reform. If given the
chance, I would like to be part of that growth and help contribute to a more
professional and humane correctional system.

4. What are the differences between uniformed personnel and non-

uniformed personnel?

Uniformed personnel are responsible for security, order, and the supervision
of persons deprived of liberty. They wear official uniforms, follow a chain of
command, and are trained for custodial and security duties.

Non-uniformed personnel, on the other hand, work more on the

administrative and technical side. They handle tasks like paperwork, records,
HR, finance, legal work, and rehabilitation programs.

Both play different but equally vital parts in achieving the goals of the Bureau.
5. From your understanding, what can you tell us about the duties and
responsibilities of a Corrections Officer 1?

From my understanding, a Corrections Officer 1 is mainly responsible for

maintaining the safety, security, and order inside the correctional facility. This
includes supervising persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), conducting regular
inspections, monitoring movements, and preventing any escape or
disturbance.

They are also expected to enforce rules and regulations, assist in the
implementation of rehabilitation programs, and ensure that the rights of PDLs
are respected while still maintaining discipline.

Corrections Officers must always be alert, disciplined, and professional

because they play a key role in creating a safe and humane environment
inside the facility.

6. Why do want to work as a Corrections Officers 1?

I want to work as a Corrections Officer 1 because I believe in the importance

of public safety, discipline, and giving people a second chance. This role
gives me the opportunity to serve the country and be part of the rehabilitation
and transformation of persons deprived of liberty.

At the same time, I come from a financially challenged family, and I want to
help improve our situation. I’m looking for a stable and honorable job where
I can grow professionally while supporting my loved ones.

Becoming a Corrections Officer is not just a job for me — it’s a commitment

to public service and a way to build a better future for myself and my family.

7. What or where do you see yourself five (5) years from now?

Five years from now, I see myself as a well-experienced and dependable

Corrections Officer who continues to serve with discipline, integrity, and
professionalism. I hope to have gained deeper knowledge and skills that will
help me take on greater responsibilities, possibly even moving up in rank if
given the opportunity. More importantly, I want to be someone who
contributes positively to the Bureau's goals — both in maintaining peace and
in helping persons deprived of liberty rebuild their lives. I also hope that by
then, I’ve helped improve my family’s life and served as a good example to
others.

8. Tell us about a time you found it difficult to follow the rules?

I am currently an ERT member in our MDRRMO, and I’ve faced situations

where following procedures was difficult, especially during urgent rescue
operations. There were times when quick decisions needed to be made, and
those decisions didn’t always align with the exact protocols due to the
immediate nature of the situation.

At first, it was challenging to balance the need for speed with following the
rules. However, I realized that while flexibility is important, the protocols are
in place to ensure safety and coordination. I communicated with my team
and adapted as needed, without compromising safety. After each operation,
we reviewed our actions to identify areas for improvement.

This experience taught me that while rules can be tough to follow sometimes,
they are essential for maintaining order and achieving the best outcomes,
especially when lives are at risk.

9. If your colleagues or former supervisor will describe you, what would

it be?

If my colleagues or former supervisor were to describe me, I believe they

would say that I am dependable, hardworking, and a team player. I always
strive to do my best and maintain a positive attitude, especially in challenging
situations. They would also mention my willingness to help others and my
ability to stay calm under pressure. I’m someone who listens, communicates
effectively, and takes responsibility for my tasks. I believe these qualities are
important in a Corrections Officer role, where teamwork, accountability, and
maintaining order are essential.

10. What do you understand about integrity?

Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles, even when
no one is watching. It involves doing the right thing, even in difficult situations,
and being accountable for your actions. In a professional setting, integrity is
about being truthful, following rules, and treating others with respect. For me,
integrity is essential in building trust and maintaining credibility, especially in
roles like a Corrections Officer, where honesty and consistency are critical
for ensuring safety and fairness.

11. Describe a time when you demonstrated integrity at work.

12. How do you react in a situation at work when you made a mistake?

When I make a mistake at work, I take responsibility right away. I believe it’s
important to admit errors and quickly find a solution to fix them. After that, I
reflect on what went wrong and how I can avoid making the same mistake in
the future. I see mistakes as a chance to learn and improve, and I always
aim to handle them with honesty and accountability.

13. What are the five (5) pillars of the Philippine Justice System?

14. Given that you are a Registered Criminologist, how will you relate it
to your career as a Corrections Officer 1?

Being a Registered Criminologist, I have gained a strong understanding of

criminal behavior, the justice system, and the rehabilitation process. As a
Corrections Officer 1, I can apply this knowledge effectively in managing
persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with professionalism.

My background allows me to approach the role not only with discipline and
control but also with a deeper understanding of how to support rehabilitation
and reduce the chances of re-offending. This enables me to contribute to
maintaining peace and order inside the facility while aligning with the Bureau
of Corrections’ mission to promote second chances and the reformation of
PDLs.

15. Are you willing to work long hours, on a variety of different shifts,
with a limited time of notice? Why or why not?

Yes, I am willing to work long hours, on different shifts, and with limited
notice. I understand that the role of a Corrections Officer requires flexibility
to maintain safety and security at all times. I’m committed to the job and
ready to adapt to any schedule needed.

I’ve been looking for a stable job for a long time and have faced multiple
rejections and setbacks. I don’t want to waste this opportunity, and I’m
determined to give my best and contribute positively to the Bureau.

16. If in case you are hired in this agency and you are to be assigned in
one of our OPPF’s, would you willingly accept it? Why or why not?

Yes, I would willingly accept an assignment at one of the OPPFs (Operating

Provincial Prisons and Facilities) if hired. I understand that in any role,
flexibility and adaptability are key. Being assigned to different locations is
part of the responsibility, and I’m ready to take on whatever is needed to fulfill
the mission of the Bureau of Corrections.

Additionally, I see this as an opportunity to grow and gain experience in

different settings. No matter where I am assigned, I’ll approach it with
dedication and a commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and
rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty.