Prison Without Walls

Summary

The Iwahig Penal Farm in Palawan, Philippines, is a unique correctional facility known as 'prison without walls.' Spanning 28 hectares, it offers inmates a chance at rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and farming. Inmates wear color-coded shirts indicating their status, from new arrivals to those trusted with more freedom. The facility's transformational approach focuses on preparing inmates for reintegration into society, with some even supporting their families from within. The penal farm also contributes to the local community and environment, with inmates maintaining natural pools and watersheds. Visitors can explore the historical site, support the inmates' handicrafts, and witness a prison system that prioritizes hope and change.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ The Iwahig Penal Farm in Palawan is known as a 'prison without walls', offering a unique approach to incarceration.
• 🌳 The penal farm is set in a vast, 28-hectare area surrounded by natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and rivers.
• 👕 Inmates are classified into three categories based on their rehabilitation progress: new arrivals in orange, working class in blue, and trusted inmates in brown.
• 📚 Inmates have access to education, with some even pursuing college degrees while serving their sentences.
• 🛠️ Vocational training is provided, allowing inmates to learn skills in agriculture and handicrafts, contributing to their rehabilitation.
• 💼 Some inmates are able to support their families financially through the income generated from their work at the penal farm.
• 🏫 The Iwahig Penal Farm includes schools, training centers, farmland, hospitals, and churches within its premises.
• 🙏 The administration supports inmates' religious denominations, recognizing the transformative power of faith.
• 🎨 Inmates create arts and crafts that are sold in souvenir shops, showcasing their creativity and providing an additional source of income.
• 🌱 The penal farm has evolved from a place for the 'worst prisoners' to a facility focusing on the transformation and reintegration of inmates into society.
• 🌐 The Iwahig Penal Farm is open to tourists, offering tours that demonstrate the rehabilitative efforts and the potential for inmates to change their lives.

Q & A

What is the Iwahig Penal Farm known for?

The Iwahig Penal Farm is known as a 'prison without walls', a place where prisoners live in an open environment without bars, and are integrated into a community that supports their rehabilitation.

How large is the Iwahig Penal Farm?

The Iwahig Penal Farm spans 28 hectares of land and is covered by three barangays, making it a vast area that resembles a paradise rather than a traditional prison.

What was the historical purpose of Iwahig during the Spanish colonial period?

During the Spanish colonial period, Puerto Princesa was used as a dumping ground for criminals considered a threat to society due to its remoteness and high incidence of malaria, which was akin to a death sentence.

When was the Iwahig Penal Farm established and under whose governance?

The Iwahig Penal Farm was established in 1904, during the time when the Philippines was under American governance.

What types of prisoners are housed in Iwahig Penal Farm?

Iwahig Penal Farm houses prisoners who have committed less severe offenses and are not considered the 'worst prisoners'. The focus is on those who can benefit from farming and other vocational activities.

How does the Iwahig Penal Farm contribute to the rehabilitation of inmates?

The Iwahig Penal Farm contributes to the rehabilitation of inmates by providing education, vocational training, and opportunities for them to work in farming or handicrafts, allowing them to earn a living and support their families.

What is the role of the Iwahig Penal Farm in the local community?

The Iwahig Penal Farm plays a significant role in the local community by maintaining local watersheds, contributing to agriculture, and providing handicrafts that are sold in souvenir shops, thus integrating the inmates into the local economy.

How does the Iwahig Penal Farm support the religious and spiritual needs of inmates?

The Iwahig Penal Farm supports the religious and spiritual needs of inmates by allowing them to practice their faith freely and providing facilities such as churches within the penal farm.

What are the educational opportunities available to inmates at Iwahig Penal Farm?

Inmates at Iwahig Penal Farm have access to education, with some even pursuing college degrees through the educational programs available, enabling them to continue their studies despite their incarceration.

How does the Iwahig Penal Farm prepare inmates for reintegration into society?

The Iwahig Penal Farm prepares inmates for reintegration into society by providing them with vocational training, life skills, and a supportive environment that fosters personal transformation and growth.

What is the significance of the Iwahig Penal Farm being open to tourists?

The Iwahig Penal Farm being open to tourists allows visitors to witness the unique rehabilitation process and supports the inmates' efforts by purchasing their handicrafts, thus contributing to their sense of dignity and self-worth.