Talisay jail, warden win awards

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Jail was named City Jail of the Year (national level) for its distinguished and unprecedented transformation and development while its warden, Chief Inspector Renante Rubio, was awarded for the first time as City Warden of the Year.

The awarding will be done on July 9, which will be held at the Philippine National Police-Multi Purpose Hall in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The giving of awards was in pursuant to BJMP Memorandum Circular number 2005-03, Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), of which the Medalya ng Kasanayan is given to deserving city jail officials every year.

Perhaps what impressed the BJMP was the transformation of the Talisay City Rehabilitation and Detention Center (TCRDC) in barangay Maghaway into a smoke-free zone.

Rubio said the no-smoking order covers not only the inmates but also all jail personnel and civilians who visit prisoners.

He also said a playground has been set up to entice relatives to visit regularly, giving the detainees a chance to see them more often, fight boredom and ease their anxiety, he said.

Rubio has introduced a “no escape policy” as well as livelihood projects such as bag weaving, welding, literacy programs, and others in order to keep the inmates busy. 

The two-hectare jail has “cottages,” breaking the traditional correctional building with cells, giving a homey feel for the 320 inmates.

The facility, constructed in 2002 through the efforts of Rep. Eduardo Gullas, was also awarded city jail of the year in the whole Central Visayas in 2003, 2007, and 2008.  (FREEMAN)