In a bid to move toward rehabilitating children in conflict with the law (CICL), the Philippine government is investing P90 million to build an agricultural camp at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa City. This new facility, expected to be completed by early 2026, will provide a sustainable, alternative approach to juvenile justice, prioritizing rehabilitation over traditional confinement.
The initiative, announced on May 9 by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), aims to offer young offenders a chance to reintegrate into society through structured programs focused on education, vocational training, agricultural skills, and psychosocial development. The camp will be a pioneering rehabilitation facility designed to align with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA No. 9344), which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment for juveniles.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. described the project as a breakthrough in the country’s approach to juvenile justice. “The agricultural camp is designed not just to serve as a facility for serving sentences but to create a transformative space where these children can learn valuable skills that will support their reintegration into society,” Catapang explained.
The camp will be built within the Inagawan Sub-Colony of the IPPF, a site selected for its expansive space and ecological setting. On May 7, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site, attended by key officials, including DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. The ceremony marked the official start of the construction process, which will see the establishment of the camp.
According to a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed earlier this year, the DSWD will provide the necessary funding for the project, while BuCor will be responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of the camp. The DPWH will handle the construction, ensuring that the facility meets all the necessary standards for the CICL program.
The agricultural camp will serve as an alternative to incarceration for CICLs, offering them the opportunity to fulfill their sentences through vocational and agricultural training rather than traditional confinement in a standard penal institution. With a focus on skill-building in areas such as farming, the camp aims to equip these children with practical tools for self-sufficiency and personal growth.
In a country where the majority of children in conflict with the law face incarceration, the agricultural camp is a significant step toward transforming the rehabilitation system. It is designed not only to help reduce recidivism but to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency, giving young offenders the skills and education needed for a fresh start.
Once completed, the facility will be a pioneering model for juvenile justice in the Philippines, providing a humane and effective solution for those who may have otherwise been left to languish in traditional detention settings.
