The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has started the construction of a new facility in Dasmariñas City in Cavite which is expected to address the congestion on its facilities.
During the March 25 ceremony, BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera underscored the significance of this initiative, stressing that this “brings hope for a more dignified jail environment’’ to the persons deprived of liberty (PDL).
"Kung malaki na ang epekto sa isang tao na mawalan siya ng kalayaan, ano pa kaya kung madagdagan ito nang masikip na selda, na siyang pinag-uugatan ng maraming pang isyung nakaka-apekto sa pisikal at emosyonal na kalusugan ng ating mga kapatid na nakapiit (If there is a huge effect on the person losing his freedom, what more if its adds to being incarcerated in a crowded cell, that is the root cause of many more issues that affect the physical and emotional well-being of our brothers in jail)?’’ Rivera emphasized.
Rivera stated that when completed, the congestion rate of 3,333 percent in the facility will tremendously go down to a mere 46 percent.
"Our PDL here will definitely be in a much better place," he added.
At present, Dasmariñas City Jail-Male and Female Dormitories, located along Congressional Avenue, Brgy. Burol II in Barangay Langkaan II, are among the most congested jail facilities under the BJMP, with a combined congestion rate of 3,333 percent.
The male dormitory houses 1,270 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at a congestion rate of 1,133 percent, while the female dormitory holds 248 PDL, with a staggering congestion rate of 2,200 percent.
“With the completion of the new facility, these figures are expected to decrease dramatically to 31 percent for the male dormitory and 15 percent for the female dormitory, marking a significant breakthrough in improving the living conditions of PDL,’’ the BJMP noted.
The new Dasmariñas City Jail will feature essential facilities aimed at providing a more humane and rehabilitative environment for PDL, including an infirmary, training and livelihood spaces, Alternative Learning System (ALS) and worship areas, and a designated visitation area.
BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera underscored the significance of this initiative in his address during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a long-anticipated project, made possible through the usufruct agreement signed by the BJMP and the city government of Dasmariñas on Nov. 12, 2021.
Under this agreement, a 5,464-square-meter lot was donated for the establishment of a new and modernized jail facility. The agreement is valid for 25 years and renewable upon mutual consent.
The project is set for completion by Feb. 12, 2026 and stands as a testament to the BJMP's unwavering commitment to jail decongestion and the humane treatment of PDL.