Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Bureau of Jail Managament and Penology (BJMP), Regional Director for NCR, J/SSupt Romeo S. Vio led the ground breaking ceremony of a PhP 37,516,971 city jail that will soon rise near the Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Barangay Malinta, Valenzuela City.

The five-storey edifice will have a total floor area of 2,204.06 square meters and will occupy the site of the old Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) and the old city jail through various phases of construction.

The new city jail which is wholly funded by the City Government will have 12 large cells in four stories of the entire building which will ease the current inmate population of 479. The design of the facility will be more conducive for the living condition of inmates, as well as, a more secure and better workplace for the jail guards and other stakeholders in the rehabilitation process.

During the groundbreaking rites which coincided with the celebration of the 14^th City Charter Day Anniversary, Mayor WIN expressed high hopes that the new building will boost the performance of the rehabilitative agencies involved in reforming individuals who were once in conflict with the law.

“Our reforms for the promotion of peace and order in the City will finally be achieved with the building of the new Valenzuela City Jail,” the Mayor said, citing the previous turn-over of the Bulwagan ng Katarungan to the judiciary and the building of the modern Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS).

Bureau of Jail Managament and Penology (BJMP) – Valenzuela City Chief, J/CINSP Ferdinand D. Pontillo praised Mayor WIN for his efforts in giving adequate support for the welfare of inmates and prays that other city mayors follow his example.

“We are honored and deeply grateful to Mayor WIN for his efforts in allocating resources for the building of the new facility. On our part, we will maintain our new home to the best of our abilities and promote the rehabilitation and quality of life of our inmates,” Pontillo said.

“Likewise, this landmark building will inspire more stakeholders and charity organizations to help us out in providing spiritual nourishment and medical assistance to the inmates” He concluded.

Also joining the groundbreaking rites are Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Teresita  R. Capacillo;  DILG Director Daisy S. Eslaban;  Chief of Police P/SSupt Atty. Wilben M. Mayor;   City Engineer’s Office OIC Ms. Praceli S. Nelson and Valenzuela City’s management team.