The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Mandaue City is preparing for a significant move. The agency has announced that its female dormitory will transfer to a new, more humane facility by February 2026. This relocation is a crucial step in improving the living conditions for female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
Revised Timeline Due to Natural Calamities
Senior Inspector Roselle Paracale provided updates on the construction progress. The structural work for the new administration building is already 90 percent complete. Overall completion, including furnishings and installations, stands at 85 percent. Originally, the transfer was scheduled for January 2026. However, unforeseen events forced a revision of the timeline.
"Our original plan was to transfer in January, but the earthquake and the recent typhoon caused delays in construction," Paracale explained. "Given the situation, the most realistic target for the transfer is February 2026, within the first quarter of the year." The urgency of the move is underscored by the precarious state of the current facility in Barangay Looc.
Addressing Flood Risks in the New Facility
The old jail has been described as highly vulnerable to flooding. Paracale recalled that during Typhoon Tino, the area experienced severe inundation. To prevent a repeat of this dangerous situation in the new location, the Mandaue City government prioritized flood mitigation measures.
A key feature of the new site is a two-meter-high embankment constructed around the female dormitory. This barrier is designed to prevent floodwater from entering the compound during heavy rains or storms. This proactive infrastructure addresses a critical safety concern for the PDLs and personnel.
Enhanced Amenities and Rehabilitation Programs
The new BJMP Mandaue facility promises a marked improvement over the current cramped and dilapidated building. The old prison has only four cells for 112 PDLs. In contrast, the new complex will be more spacious, comfortable, and designed with a human-centric approach.
Beyond basic shelter, the facility will include programs aimed at rehabilitation and livelihood. The Department of Agriculture has provided a greenhouse and an organic vegetable garden. This initiative will allow PDLs to engage in productive activities, learn new skills, and contribute to their own sustenance and future.
Paracale extended gratitude to the Mandaue City LGU and to Congresswoman Emmarie 'Lolypop' Ouano-Dizon for their support in funding and prioritizing the administration building's construction. Once this building is fully operational, the long-awaited transfer for the benefit of Mandaue's detainees will proceed.
