IBA, Zambales — The renovated Zambales Hall of Justice formally reopened on Oct. 5, upgrading a key public facility that houses several agencies responsible for delivering judicial and legal services in the province.
The facility in Barangay Palanginan is expected to provide a safer and more secure working environment for judges and court personnel while improving conditions for lawyers, litigants and other residents seeking legal and judicial services.
The reopening was marked by a ceremonial blessing attended by provincial, judicial, law-enforcement and public-works officials. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. Gerald Mariano Pascual, parish priest of San Agustin Cathedral Parish.
Among those present were Zambales Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz and members of the judiciary led by RTC Branch 69 Executive Judge Santiago Beltran Jr.
The facility accommodates courts and other justice-sector offices, including RTC Branches 13, 69, 70 and 71, as well as prosecution and public-attorney services.
The Zambales Police Provincial Office also participated in the reopening, represented by Lt. Col. Cris Cordero Jr., deputy provincial director for administration, along with other senior police officials and the chief of the Iba Municipal Police Station.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Zambales was likewise represented at the event.
The renovation is expected to strengthen the courthouse’s safety and security features while providing a more suitable facility for agencies working within the justice system.
Officials said the upgraded Hall of Justice underscores the importance of coordination among the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecution, public defense and public works agencies in maintaining accessible and secure government facilities for Zambales residents.
