By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – After nearly six years of waiting, the Sagay City Police Station in Negros Occidental officially began the construction of its new standard-type two-story building on Monday.
Police Col. Dennis Esguerra, deputy director for administration of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), led the groundbreaking ceremony with Negros Occidental Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., Police Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, deputy provincial director for administration of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), and Police Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, chief of Sagay City Police Station.
The PHP25-million facility will rise beside the new Sagay Public Market in Barangay Poblacion II.
Sagay City was one of 10 out of 31 local government units in the province without a standard-type Philippine National Police building as of March this year.
With this development, Flores said the project will allow them to upgrade their services in line with the PNP’s modernization efforts.
More than just a building, he said it represents the continuing transformation of the police force in its commitment to build permanent, purpose-designed facilities that reflect professionalism, service and integrity.
The project forms part of the national government’s push to modernize public infrastructure and deliver essential services to local communities.
Flores said the new police station stands on a 1,500-square-meter lot donated by the city government, under a deed of donation formalized in September 2019 when Marañon was city mayor and Col. Romeo Baleros headed NOCPPO.
The facility will include office spaces, staff quarters, detention cells and conference rooms, among other features.
The PHP24,949,544.09 project is funded by the PNP and is expected to be completed by June 9, 2026.
Javelosa said the project marks a significant step forward for the people of Sagay.
“We are confident that this project will bring furtherance to community services, developing the values of the PNP organization and the community involved,” he added.
Marañon acknowledged the collective effort of stakeholders in realizing this milestone for the city’s police force.
He said the new police station will improve response times and police visibility, making law enforcement services more accessible to Sagaynons.
In a message read by Esguerra on behalf of Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, he thanked everyone behind the project and expressed hope that it will inspire stronger efforts in law enforcement campaigns against illegal drugs, gambling, loose firearms and other operations.
Flores said the current station is also located in Barangay Poblacion II on city government property that has been occupied for many years.
He said the new building is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it symbolizes the city’s shared aspiration for a safer, more secure community.
He added it is a reminder that when leadership, public service and civic pride align, progress becomes possible.
The station is designed to provide modern facilities that support a more conducive working environment for police personnel and more efficient service delivery for Sagay residents.
