As Cainta, Rizal Mayor Kit Nieto believes that people who are detained also deserve second chances, he has ensured that their well-being inside the jail is being taken care of, giving them a reason to rebuild their lives and start anew.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, Nieto visited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to turn over a new vehicle that will be used by some detainees to go to the courthouse, as their current one was already broken. 

He also ensured that their monthly rice rations were provided so their meals would not be interrupted.

"Sila yung madalas inaaway ko, pinapahuli ko, pinakukulong ko… kasama kasi yun sa trabaho ng pag-aayos ng Cainta… at protektahan ang mga inosenteng kababayan laban sa karahasan at pananamantala. Pero ‘pag nasa loob na sila ng piitan, ibang kwento na yun… yung gobyerno ko naman ang gagalaw para masigurong maayos ang kanilang kalagayan (They are often arrested and detained as part of efforts to maintain public order in Cainta and safeguard innocent residents from violence and abuse. But once they are detained, the government takes action to ensure that their conditions and welfare are properly maintained),” he said. 

“Sabi ko nga, yung kalayaan lang nila ang binawi ng estado. Hindi yung karapatan nilang mabuhay sa loob ng may dangal at ayos (As I said, the government only takes away their freedom, not their right to live with dignity and proper conditions while in detention),” Nieto continued. 

In addition to the facility’s existing basketball half-court, pickleball and pingpong equipment have also been installed to support the detainees’ wellness and recreational activities.

Nieto also said that the Rotary Club donated books to create a reading nook for detainees who love and enjoy reading. 

The mayor mentioned that within six months, detainees will move to a larger facility being built in Barangay San Isidro on a lot purchased by the municipality, which will provide enough space for them to live comfortably.

“Naniniwala ang Cainta sa second chances. Mahigpit tayo pero yung pag-asa ng pagbabago, hindi mawawala sa atin… kailanman (Cainta believes in second chances. We may be strict, but we will never take away the hope for change),” Nieto emphasized.