The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has pushed for a stronger and unified stand in ensuring that the welfare and development of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are addressed sufficiently.
In its 11th Community Relations Service Month celebration, BJMP chief Director Allan Iral stressed the importance of establishing and sustaining relationships with the community during the virtual kick-off ceremony.
This year’s theme, “Nagkakaisang Kawanihan, Sandigan ng Maunlad na Pamayanan (A United Public Servant, Backbone of a Progressive Community)” is a call to action to pursue and strengthen the BJMP’s relationship with the other sectors of the society.
“We want a nation whose community of communities is stable, intact, and solid in all the services it gives to citizens,” Iral said.
“The message of this year’s Community Relations Month is the importance of sustaining the community among us, in order to keep and strengthen the larger community beyond ours: ang ating bayan,” he added.
Iral lauded the efforts of the Community Relations Service Office under Jail Superintendent Xavier Solda for their efforts and initiatives in building the image of the BJMP.
“Our CRS team really worked hard to lead the entire BJMP strength, each member to be an image builder themselves, in the way they dress, speak, and act,” Iral noted.
The BJMP chief cited how the CRS became an agent in bringing the bureau closer to the heart of the community.
“People did not know our place in keeping their community safe. Binago ng CRS natin ‘yan. Ngayon, nilalapitan na tayo ng taum-bayan (Our CRS changed that. Now people seek us out),’’ Iral stressed.
Iral pointed out that a united BJMP community is its response to the mission of “changing lives and building a safer nation adding that despite the limitations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the bureau has initiated activities to promote PDL welfare and development.
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año cited the efforts of the BJMP on welfare and development of the PDLs.
“You are the bridge that links the kind of service that we desire to extend to the community. And more importantly, you are the glue that binds our people together”, Año said.
“So know that I always take pride and gratitude in every undertaking that you immerse yourselves,” he added.
For this year, the CRS Month activities will focus on the three major areas namely Partnership and Agreements, Capacity Building, and Community Support Programs. (Chito A. Chavez)