Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Eduardo Año made his last command visit on Monday, June 13, at the National Headquarters of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Quezon City.
In his message, Año commended the BJMP personnel for their sacrifices especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, recalling how the bureau has consistently been “a steadfast partner of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in ensuring public safety and engaging the community in the rehabilitation and development of persons deprived of liberty (PDL).’’
He recognized that most of the BJMP personnel had to make the sacrifice of being away from their families as they combat the challenges posed by Covid-19 in its jail facilities.
“Truly, because of your individual contributions to the government’s pandemic response, the DILG was able to garner a high approval rating from our citizens, as proven in the survey conducted by EON Group and Tangere,” Año noted.
“Thank you for becoming the haven for reformation and redemption among our persons deprived of liberty,” he added. Año's term will end on June 30 with the entry of a new administration.
In hindsight, Año stressed that he is happy with all that the BJMP has accomplished over the past few years.
“Not only were you able to fulfill your traditional mandates, but you likewise managed to think outside the box when the constraints proved restrictive,” Año noted.
The DILG chief also admired not only the grit and perseverance the BJMP men showed to make sure that every mission is duly accomplished but also their willingness to go beyond what is expected of them.
He highlighted the impact and significance of the flagship programs of BJMP chief Director Allan Iral, ‘the 4G Management Strategy or the Guard the Gate, Guard the Badge, Guard the Purse, and Guard the Life.’
Año hopes “that the whole BJMP will continue to rise to higher pedestals in fulfilling its desire of “changing lives, and building a safer nation.”
At the same time, Iral thanked the outgoing Año for all his guidance and support to the Jail Bureau.
“Malayo na po ang nararating ng BJMP dahil sa pagsisikap niyo na magpaalala at gumabay sa amin (The BJMP has gone a long way due to your perseverance of your reminders and guide us). And the institutions in our service, which you help make possible through your guidance, support and leadership will no doubt, find more milestones in the BJMP, even beyond our time,” Iral said.
Año also urged the BJMP to support incoming DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. describing him “as a very capable man, someone who has time and again proven himself as a man of action during his season as the Mayor of Mandaluyong City and then during his tenure as head of the Metro Manila Development Council.”
“I hope that you will back him in his efforts to bring peacebuilding, public safety, and local governance to greater heights,” he added.