New Consolacion jail breaks ground

CEBU, Philippines — Consolacion Mayor Teresa Pepito Alegado led the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Consolacion Municipal Jail in Barangay Panas recently with the top officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

In her speech, Alegado said the new jail, a ?184-million correctional facility has long been in the pipeline, will serve as a beacon of hope and compassion for persons deprived of liberty who are suffering great inconvenience due to the current situation in the existing jail.

Jail Chief Superintendent Efren Nemeño, deputy chief for operations and former BJMP Region 7 director, thanked Alegado for the new jail.

“Mayor Alegado’s dedication to BJMP reflects her wavering commitment to public service and her belief in the importance of fair and effective justice system. Her contribution is a testament of a vision of a community that values the well-being and rehabilitation of its members,” he said.

The new jail is designed to provide a more humane and rehabilitative environment for prisoners. It can accommodate at least 500 inmates, compared to the current jail which can house only 60 inmates but is now accommodating 300.

The ?6.5-million 1.5-hectare lot for the project is from the local government unit, while a budget of ?184 million from the BJMP was allocated for the project.

Nemeño said that the donation of this lot by the town shows Alegado’s support for the BJMP.

“By providing this foundation, our beloved mayor is not only giving physical space but also offering a symbol of hope, progress, and transformation for those will pass through the doors in this new facility… In the construction of this new facility, we’re not only building physical walls, but also strengthening the foundation of our justice system,” he said.

He said that the Consolacion Municipal Jail will serve as a vital institution in ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of the individuals who have transgressed the law.

“It is a place where accountability meets compassion, where discipline meets redemption under the principle of justice are upheld with unwavering commitment,” he added. — (FREEMAN)