AFTER years of delays, the Municipality of Consolacion has finally broken ground on a new jail facility in Barangay Panas, aiming to ease the severe overcrowding at its current detention center.
Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado led the groundbreaking ceremony alongside officials from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The new facility, set to accommodate up to 500 inmates, will replace the existing municipal jail, which was built for only 60 detainees but currently holds more than 300.
“This has been a long-overdue project. Our existing jail is severely overcrowded, leading to poor living conditions and health risks for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs),” Alegado said.
"Providing a humane space for them has been my priority," she added.
The new jail will be constructed on a 1.5-hectare lot purchased by the local government for P6.5 million.
The project has been allocated P184 million through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under then-secretary Benhur Abalos, significantly lower than the P300 million originally requested by the municipality, which would have included a sports facility.
Authorities had hoped to begin construction in 2020, but delays pushed the project back.
BJMP National Operations chief, Jail Chief Superintendent Efren Nemeno, cited factors beyond their control as reasons for the postponement.
Project contractor Karla Magsino, representing 515 Life, said the new jail complex will include a two-story administration building, a three-story accommodation building for inmates, and new kitchen area.
The construction is expected to be completed within 360 days.
Beyond expanding detention space, the local government also set aside one hectare of land for agricultural programs that PDLs can participate in.
This initiative, in partnership with the municipal agriculture office, aims to provide rehabilitation opportunities and promote productivity among inmates.
“The goal is not just to relieve overcrowding but also to help our PDLs engage in meaningful activities,” Alegado said.
The existing Consolacion jail, located beside the local police station, has long been plagued by congestion issues.
Overcrowding has led to frequent health problems among detainees, prompting regular medical check-ups to monitor the spread of illnesses.
With the new facility underway, Alegado hope to provide better conditions for inmates and reduce the risks associated with the current setup. (CAV)