IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the provincial government signed a Deed of Usufruct granting the use of a parcel of provincial land at Sitio Buen, Barangay Mambog in Botolan town for the construction of the proposed Zambales District Jail.
The agreement allows BJMP to utilize a 12,950-square-meter area for the construction of the province’s first district jail facility.
BJMP Regional Director Jail Chief Superintendent Paulino Moreno Jr. expressed his gratitude to the provincial government, emphasizing the importance of the land grant in fulfilling the agency’s mandate of providing improved correctional services.
“The BJMP is very grateful, especially those assigned in Zambales and other provinces in Region 3, because this new facility, once completed, will allow them to be closer to their residences,” he said.
Moreno also highlighted the deeper social and humanitarian significance of the initiative, stating that the project goes beyond infrastructure and reflects compassion and social responsibility.
“This Deed of Usufruct is a testament to the compassion of our local government for the welfare of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and the entire criminal justice system. Granting land use through a Deed of Usufruct is a truly humane step, as it recognizes the need for a proper, safe, and dignified facility for our PDLs here in Zambales,” he added.
Moreno noted that the project symbolizes hope and second chances for people in custody.
“This is not just about constructing a building — it is about building a future. Within every wall, every cell, and every office that will rise here lies a vision of hope and the opportunity for PDLs to reintegrate into society as better citizens of Zambales,” he said.
He further emphasized that correctional development is a shared obligation between national agencies and local governments.
“The Deed of Usufruct signed today is a covenant of trust. It represents the local government’s firm belief that jail development is a shared social obligation. The support of the local government inspires us, national personnel of BJMP, to continue delivering humane, honest, and professional public service,” he concluded.
Currently, there is no dedicated Zambales District Jail. The existing jail services are being handled by the Olongapo District Jail-Male and Female Dormitories located along Rizal Street, Barangay Barretto in Olongapo City.
The proposed facility, once constructed, is envisioned to serve PDLs across the province, particularly those under the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court of Iba in the 2nd congressional district.
The initiative aligns with BJMP’s ongoing commitment to constructing secure, humane, and accessible jail facilities across the country. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
