The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), in collaboration with the Local Government of Dasmariñas, Cavite, officially broke ground yesterday for the construction of the new Dasmariñas City Jail in Barangay Langkaan II.
Currently, the Dasmariñas City Jail-Male and Female Dormitories, located along Congressional Avenue in Barangay Burol II, rank among the most overcrowded jail facilities under the BJMP, with a staggering combined congestion rate of 3,333%.
The Male Dormitory, originally designed for far fewer occupants, now houses 1,270 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at a congestion rate of 1,133%, while the Female Dormitory holds 248 PDL, with an overwhelming congestion rate of 2,200%.
With the completion of the new facility, these numbers are expected to drop drastically—to 31% for the Male Dormitory and 15% for the Female Dormitory—marking a significant breakthrough in improving detention conditions.
The new Dasmariñas City Jail will feature essential facilities designed to foster rehabilitation and humane living conditions for PDL, including an infirmary, livelihood and training areas, Alternative Learning System (ALS) classrooms, worship spaces, and a designated visitation area.
BJMP Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera emphasized the significance of this initiative during the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the dire consequences of overcrowding.
“Kung malaki na ang epekto sa isang tao na mawalan siya ng kalayaan, ano pa kaya kung madagdagan ito nang masikip na selda? Ito ang ugat ng maraming suliraning nakakaapekto sa pisikal at emosyonal na kalusugan ng ating mga kapatid na nakapiit,” he remarked.
He further expressed optimism that the facility would provide a more dignified environment for PDL.
“Pagkatapos po ng proyektong ito, mula sa 3,333% congestion rate, magiging 46% na lamang ito,” he stated.
“Our PDL here will definitely be in a much better place,” he added.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the launch of a long-anticipated project, made possible through a Usufruct Agreement signed between the BJMP and the City Government of Dasmariñas on November 12, 2021. Under this agreement, a 5,464-square-meter lot was allocated for the establishment of a modernized jail facility, with a 25-year renewable term.
Set for completion by February 12, 2026, this project underscores BJMP’s steadfast commitment to jail decongestion and the humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty.