San Rafael police station gets makeover from former gym restroom

SAN RAFAEL, Iloilo — What used to be a public gymnasium’s comfort room has been transformed into a fully air-conditioned police station, giving San Rafael’s police personnel a more comfortable and functional workplace after years of operating in a makeshift facility.

The newly renovated San Rafael Municipal Police Station may not be an imposing structure, but the improvements mark a significant departure from its previous condition, when remnants of shower fixtures, plumbing, and toilets were visible near officers’ workstations.

The rehabilitation reflects efforts to improve working conditions for police personnel, with officials emphasizing that a safer, more professional workplace can contribute to better public service.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), led the blessing of the renovated facility on Tuesday, Nov. 3, more than a month after he ordered improvements to the station.

Tuaño initiated the rehabilitation after personally inspecting the building and discovering that the police station occupied a former restroom of a covered public gymnasium.

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na ganong uri ng environment ang pinagtatrabahuhan ng ating kapulisan,” Tuaño earlier said.

The regional police chief recalled initially finding it difficult to believe reports about the station’s condition.

His inspection on Sept. 13, however, confirmed that the police station was operating in a space originally intended as the gymnasium’s comfort room.

“Literal na ang shower post ng dating CR is existing pa rin. And so is the sink,” he said.

Tuaño also confirmed that the station’s walls were made of plywood, underscoring the inadequacy of the facility for regular police operations.

Following the inspection, he directed PRO-6’s Regional Logistics and Research and Development Division and Regional Comptrollership Division to assess the building’s condition and prepare a long-term plan for a permanent police station.

The San Rafael local government has reportedly allocated a lot for a future Philippine National Police (PNP) building.

However, the longer-term construction plan may not begin until 2027.

In the meantime, the renovation provides police personnel with improved office facilities while allowing the station to continue serving the municipality.

Better workplace, stronger public service

Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Col. Bayani Razalan said San Rafael police personnel deserved a workplace conducive to performing their duties and attending to public concerns.

“A better workplace inspires better service; a stronger institution builds a safer community,” he said.

Razalan thanked Tuaño for supporting the rehabilitation and helping turn the station’s request for improved facilities into reality.

He said the initiative went beyond physical improvements because it demonstrated concern for police personnel’s welfare and their ability to perform their responsibilities effectively.

“Tandaan natin na ang isang police station ay salamin ng mga pulis na naglilingkod dito. Ang isang malinis, maayos, at maaliwalas na himpilan ay sumasalamin sa disiplina, propesyonalismo, at dedikasyon ng mga tauhang nakatalaga rito,” he said.

Razalan emphasized that a police station serves not only as an office but also as a second home for personnel assigned to maintain peace and order in the community.

The improved facility is expected to provide a more suitable environment for administrative work, coordination, and services involving residents seeking police assistance.

Recognition

Tuaño described the rehabilitated station as a reward for the dedication and accomplishments of San Rafael police personnel.

The San Rafael Municipal Police Station was the first police unit in Iloilo province to achieve 100% compliance with Project RTT 3389, a regional campaign against loose firearms.

The initiative, which stands for Restrict, Track and Turn-In, seeks to encourage the voluntary surrender and proper turnover of undocumented firearms across Western Visayas’ 3,389 barangays.

San Rafael’s early compliance reflected the cooperation between police personnel, barangay officials, and residents in addressing the proliferation of loose firearms.

The station was also among 12 municipal police stations in Iloilo province that received the Gold Eagle Award under the Philippine National Police’s Performance Governance System (PGS).

The Gold Eagle Award is the highest distinction conferred on police units that successfully complete the final stage of the PGS evaluation process.

The recognition reflects progress in institutionalizing governance reforms, strengthening accountability, and improving the delivery of police services.

For Tuaño, the station’s accomplishments reinforced the importance of providing personnel with facilities appropriate for their responsibilities.

He clarified that the rehabilitation was undertaken through the PNP’s Adopt a Police Station initiative.

The program encourages partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, private individuals, and other community stakeholders to improve police facilities and support local policing initiatives.

Such partnerships can help address immediate infrastructure needs while longer-term plans for permanent police buildings are being developed.

For San Rafael, the transformation of a former gymnasium restroom into a functional police office provides a short-term solution to the station’s inadequate facilities.

The proposed construction of a permanent station remains the longer-term goal, with initial plans potentially moving forward in 2027.

Beyond the building’s physical improvements, police officials hope the renovated station will strengthen personnel morale and create a more welcoming environment for residents seeking assistance.

The rehabilitation also highlights the importance of adequate police infrastructure in ensuring that law enforcement personnel can carry out their duties efficiently and professionally.