Puerto Princesa, Philippines
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Feel free to bring them food, sweets or basketballs ... they thank u so much. living on so bad conditions
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Had a free morning to visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, where you can encounter minimum security prisoners walking around freely in a huge plot of land. The prisoners themselves till the land, and clean the farm. They also make souvenirs like bags, carved chests, indigenous masks, etc. Tourists come and visit to speak with the inmates, and buy souvenirs to support the prisoners. A lot of the prisoners are not native to Palawan. I spoke with three, all of whom were residents of Manila, transferred from Muntinlupa. They've all reformed and are trying to make an honest living. It was a good way to end this trip.
During a City tour of Puerto Princesa, January 2016, we visited the Iwahig Penal Colony. It is a prison without walls. It is an institution under the Philippines Justice Department. The Spanish Regime had designated Puerto Princesa as a place where offenders were banished or exiled. But it was during the American Occupation, Governor Luke Wright, authorized the establishment of the Penal Colony in Puerto Princesa, November 16, 1904. History tells us that the successfull prisoner rehabilitation program from 1906 was due to the efforts of Col.John R. White, Philippines Constabulary, as Superintendent. We drove around the huge area & saw diferent vocational activities the prisoners were doing, such as farming, forestry, fishing, handicrafts & carpentry. It is impressive & admirable how occupational rehabiltation can be successful from the stories we heard from the prisoners themselves. This is definitely an interesting & educational place to visit in Puerto Princesa City.
I have never been so impressed by a legal system. Non-violent prisoners are allowed to serve the second half of their sentence in this penal farm, which is HUGE. It's minimum security and the prisoners could easily just walk right out--but if they do, once they're caught again they go to the Big House with no hope of ever seeing the farm again, so they stay put. And why not? It's as pleasant as can be. Some prisoners have private quarters and conjugal visits and drop-ins of friends and family are encouraged and can be any time during the day. Here, convicts are taught how to farm or learn any number of trades that can land them a job easily upon release. I don't think recidivism is a problem here. Every inmate we met was polite, courteous and genuinely happy. Not to mention the view: spectacular! This may have been the highlight of my Palawan vacation.
This is one of the five biggest penal colonies found in the country of the Philippines. Located a few miles from the heart of the city. Also known as Prison without bars internationally. The inmates who are in medium watch facilities are available to do work, when they earn it is an option to provide for thier immediate family. There are some souvenir items you can buy to help them.
A good stop for roadtrip down south. Try to appreciate the rustic life that prisoners have inside this guarded community. Talk to any of those who salute you and know their stories. You'll be amazed!
Iwahig was a great place to visit in Puerto Princesa. The by products crafted by the prisoners are great buys.
Great place to go when visiting Puerto Princesa. Discover the life and culture inside a prison without walls.
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