Astig nga! Jail officers pay tribute to fathers in uniform

By J03 Minnie Acero Saldivar

In a heartfelt celebration of fatherhood and public service, forty (40) jail officers from six (6) district jails in Camarines Sur gathered online for a unique and deeply moving webinar entitled “ASTIG ang Tatay Kong Jail Officer”—an acronym for Alagad ng Batas, may Sacripisyong Tunay, Tapat, Inspirasyon, at Gabay.

What is BJMP—and what does it do in Camarines Sur?

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), a national agency under Republic Act 6975, oversees all city, municipal, and district jails in the Philippines, including those in Camarines Sur. Its core mandates: ensure safe custody and welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs)—those on trial or with short sentences, provide basic needs and support services—food, healthcare, education, livelihood, and spiritual care, foster rehabilitation to reintegrate PDLs into society, and maintain strict security and discipline, including escort duties.

Smiles and service! Jail officers from Naga and Camarines Sur gather a heartfelt tribute to fathers in uniform, celebrating their role as protectors, mentors, and agents of change in both family and community. (Photo contributed by the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection)

In Naga and across Camarines Sur, BJMP operates district and municipal jails alongside the provincial office. Jail officers (like SJO3s) support this mission—from wardens ensuring facility safety to counselors, escorts, and administrative staff. Each contributes to “changing lives, building a safer nation,” as the bureau’s motto declares. 

The highlight of the event was the powerful and uplifting talk delivered by Rev. Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, Chairperson of the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection. With wisdom drawn from his priestly ministry and advocacy, he drew inspiring parallels between the vocation of a priest and the calling of jail officers: both wear uniforms not for power, but for purpose; both are tasked with guarding souls, albeit in different arenas; and both serve in places where many fear to go.

“We are instruments of transformation,” he emphasized, “in our families, in our workplaces, and in society. Our mission—whether behind the altar or behind prison walls—is to serve, to sacrifice, and to guide.”

To enrich the session, Fr. Vibar shared three short but stirring reflections, sparking deep introspection among participants. One such reflection came from SJO3 Gillord Victor B. Lavadia of the Tigaon District Jail, who movingly compared the fatherly role he plays at home to the one he fulfills in his profession:

“As a father and as a Jail Officer, pareho lang po ang tungkulin ko—ang magdisiplina, hindi para magparusa kundi para itama ang maling gawi. Sabi nga ni Father, we are custodians of humanity. Ang responsibilidad namin hindi natatapos sa oras ng trabaho. Kahit naka-off duty kami, dalang-dala pa rin namin ang dangal ng aming uniporme at institusyon.”

The webinar, held via Zoom, served as both spiritual nourishment and a well-deserved tribute to the unsung heroism of fathers in uniform—men who quietly carry the dual burden of safeguarding both the home and society.

Why This Matters to Bicolanos

By bringing the spotlight to the human face of fatherhood within uniformed service—this feature goes beyond routine reporting. It shows Bicolanos that behind every jail officer is a parent, a mentor, and a guardian of both family and community values.

The presence of uniformed service at the Bishop Gainza Trade Fair, spearheaded by Caritas Caceres, isn’t just a public relations effort—it is an invitation to witness transformation in action and support systems that uplift formerly deprived persons. Through this shared commitment, Camarines Sur stands firmly on the frontlines of hope, renewal, and civic pride.

Light moments shared between the delegates and their respective foster families during the National Youth Day 2025. (Photo credit: Immaculate Conception Parish -Naga City, National Youth Day Cáceres 2025 Facebook page)