ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. reiterated his commitment to improving the Iloilo District Jail’s (IDJ) facilities, which are under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
He likened the IDJ, located in Barangay Nanga, Pototan town, to a barangay and the persons deprived of liberty (PDL) thereat to its residents, emphasizing their right to benefit from provincial government projects.
Among Defensor’s pledges were upgrades to the jail’s water system, the establishment of a wastewater management system, and the construction of a multi-purpose covered gym for sports and recreational activities.
He also announced plans for a livelihood program for PDLs using the freshwater hatcheries of the Provincial Agriculture Office, located next to the IDJ compound.
On Saturday, December 21, over 1,200 PDLs received Christmas gift packs during an annual gift-giving activity led by Defensor.
The event, held in collaboration with the Iloilo Provincial Employees and Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (IPECMPC) chaired by Modesto Margarico Jr., saw the distribution of gift packs worth P350 each. These contained toiletries, noodles, and loaf bread.
Provincial Warden Atty. Mark Malhabour expressed gratitude for the governor’s continuous support, including the upcoming projects. He noted that the annual gift-giving activity brought joy to the PDLs during the holiday season.
The event was attended by key figures, including Jail Senior Inspector Dever Fantilaga, Acting Warden of the IDJ-MD Annex; Assistant Regional Director JSSupt. Vicente Papelera; Iloilo Provincial Government Security Unit head Aaron Raymundo; and IPECMPC personnel.
The gift-giving tradition began during the administration of the governor’s father, former governor Arthur Defensor Sr., as part of his December 25 birthday celebration. The younger Defensor has continued the tradition since assuming office in 2019.
IDJ, formerly known as the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, was previously managed by the provincial government before transitioning to BJMP oversight./PN