BJMP-Kalinga earns honor as Best District Jail of the Year in Cordillera

'...hindi po ito resulta ng isang programa lamang, bunga ito ng araw-araw na disiplina ng aming mga personnel, suporta ng aming mga partner agencies at ng komyunidad'

- JINSP Rolando Diwas 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga District Jail has been named “Best District Jail of the Year” in the Cordillera, recognizing the facility’s consistent performance in jail management, personnel discipline, rehabilitation programs and community-supported initiatives.

The award was conferred during the 35th BJMP-Cordillera Anniversary Celebration on August 24, 2026 at the CAP Building, Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Acting Jail Warden, Jail Inspector Rolando Diwas, received the award on behalf of the facility.

Diwas said the recognition was unexpected, noting that personnel initially thought they were simply attending the regional anniversary celebration before learning that Kalinga District Jail would be receiving the top district jail award.

He said the recognition was not the result of a single program but of the collective and consistent efforts of the jail workforce.

“Hindi po ito resulta ng isang programa lamang, bunga ito ng araw-araw na disiplina ng aming mga personnel, maayos na pagpapatupad ng mga programa, tamang pagpaplano at dokumentasyon at higit sa lahat, teamwork. Malaking bagay din po ang suporta ng aming mga partner agencies at ng komunidad,” Diwas said.

Teamwork behind the award

According to Diwas, the facility was assessed in key areas of jail management, including security, welfare and development, management, and administrative efficiency.

He credited the jail’s personnel for the recognition, citing their vigilance, discipline, professionalism and commitment to public service.

He said the award reflects the work of the entire Kalinga District Jail team rather than the leadership of one person.

Since assuming leadership of the facility on July 1, 2026, Diwas said he has observed a more proactive and collaborative approach among personnel, including efforts to improve systems and services beyond their routine duties.

He also highlighted the participation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in education, livelihood, skills development, wellness and rehabilitation activities, which form part of the jail’s mandate to prepare them for eventual reintegration into the community.

Community support strengthens rehabilitation

Diwas also credited the jail’s partner agencies, organizations and community members for supporting its programs through training, livelihood assistance, health services, education, donations and other interventions for PDLs.

He said these partnerships provide PDLs with opportunities to acquire skills and prepare for life after incarceration, while community acceptance remains important to successful rehabilitation.

“Sa likod po ng award, ay kwento ng araw-araw na sakripisyo at tahimik na serbisyo,” Diwas said.

He said the award serves as recognition of the daily work of jail personnel who maintain security, attend to PDL concerns, complete administrative requirements and implement rehabilitation programs, often away from public attention.

Continuing the work

Kalinga District Jail’s recognition comes after the Mountain Province District Jail was named Best District Jail of the Year during the 34th BJMP-CAR Regional Anniversary Celebration in 2025.

For Diwas, however, the latest recognition is not a reason for the facility to slow down.

He said the jail’s immediate goal is to continue performing its mandate and giving its best every day, while maintaining discipline, integrity and compassion in serving both PDLs and the community.

The award, he added, is a shared accomplishment of BJMP-Kalinga personnel and the iKalinga community that continues to support the facility’s efforts toward a safer, more humane and rehabilitative jail system.