Cebu City Jail gains clean water through Bangon ug Padayon initiative

A new project called Bangon ug Padayon is bringing clean drinking water to detention facilities in Cebu City. The initiative, launched through a partnership between legal and humanitarian groups, aims to improve conditions for inmates and children in conflict with the law. A formal ceremony marked the handover of advanced filtration systems to the Cebu City Jail this week.

The project involves installing water filtration units across multiple areas of the Cebu City Jail. These include the male dormitory, male annex, female dormitory, and the Second Chance Center for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). For years, the facility has faced water shortages since its relocation from Lahug, forcing reliance on deep wells and expensive daily water deliveries.

At the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing, officials highlighted the broader goals of the initiative. Regional Director Luisito C. Muñoz of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-RO VII) praised the effort for upholding the rights of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Edgardo B. Ligon, Executive Director of Ideals, Inc., stressed plans to expand the programme to other jails nationwide.

The new systems are expected to cut water costs significantly, according to Charlito Manlupig, CEO of Safe Water for Every Child Philippines. Retired JO Fielberto Antiquina, head of the Second Chance Center, noted that the units would finally address long-standing water access issues for CICL. The collaboration also involves the Cebu City Justice Zone and the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association, reinforcing inter-agency cooperation on detention reforms.

The filtration systems are now operational in key areas of the Cebu City Jail. Officials have confirmed reduced reliance on external water sources and lower expenses for the facility. The project's success may lead to similar implementations in other detention centres across the Philippines.