BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Buoyed by a vision to improve the current situation of persons deprived of liberty (PDL), Cong. Jojo Ang of Uswag Ilonggo Partylist spearheaded yesterday the groundbreaking for the P235-million phase 1 of the new P581-million Iloilo City District Jail in Barangay Buntatala, Leganes, Iloilo yesterday.
Being at the forefront of advocating for better jail facilities and reforms, Ang is also pushing forward critical projects and policies aimed at enhancing the overall jail development.
“This project was once a dream. But we find ways to fund this project,” said Ang.
During his first year as a congressman, Ang said he visited some jail facilities and personally witnessed the poor situation of inmates.
“I personally believe na kailangan bigyan natin sila ng pansin para sa kanilang pagbabago. This will give our persons deprived of liberty a better quality of life habang nakakulong sila and it will give them a sense of dignity and community,” he said.
The first phase of the project includes a three-story female dormitory building built on a structural frame.
The second phase of the project will also include the administration office building, health services facility, kitchen, visitors’ and visitation building, commitment building, and primary perimeter fences.
Ang said the project will provide better living quarters with recreational facilities in a safe and secure environment.
The project was realized through the support and collaboration of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Chief Jail Officer Ruel Rivera, Leganes’ Mayor Vicente Jaen, 2nd District’s Cong. Michael Gorriceta, and 4th District’s Cong. Ferjenel Biron.
Ang also expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez for their unceasing support to the Ilonggos.
Likewise, Ang led the turnover of two new vehicles to be used by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
“We acknowledge the importance of a safe and secure means of transportation para sa aton mga persons deprived of liberty sa ila kada byahe pakadto sa ila mga court hearings kag para man sa aton police force,” said Ang.
For his part, Mayor Treñas also voiced his gratitude to the Uswag Ilonggo party-list and other local officials and agencies for the realization of the new city jail.
“Today marks a significant stride in our efforts to provide bigger and better rehabilitation facilities to our PDLs or persons deprived of liberty,” Treñas said in a statement read by his son, Councilor Miguel Treñas.
“As a city mayor, I am very glad for this development because it has been one of my dreams and commitments to provide a more conducive environment for rehabilitation and reformation to our PDLs,” said Treñas.
The mayor said he had seen how overcrowded our existing jail facilities in the City Proper district. Hence, he said the city government decided to purchase a property where the new jail facility will be constructed.
The city government is also planning to put up a livelihood facility to help inmates during their rehabilitation process and eventually towards reintegration back into society.
“With this new and better location and facility, we hope to bring hope and new beginnings to our beloved PDLs; because just like everyone else, they deserve second chances in life,” the mayor said.
Cong. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda was represented by former councilor Love Baronda./PN
