Agricamp for children in conflict with the law to rise in Palawan

After 50 years of delayed implementation, the first-ever Agricultural Camp for Children in Conflict with the law (CICL) is now a reality following its groundbreaking ceremony at the Inagawan Sub-Colony of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa on Wednesday.

Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. attended the ground breaking ceremony together with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Catapang said the AgriCamp will be established at the 150-hectare lot donated by BuCor and it is envisioned as a pioneering rehabilitation and reintegration facility aligned with Section 15 of Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), as amended. The facility offers an alternative to incarceration, allowing CICLs who are found guilty to serve their sentence in an agricultural or vocational training setting rather than confinement in a regular penal institution.

“The agricamp will provide a structured and ecologically sustainable environment where intervention programs such as formal education, vocational and agricultural training, psychosocial support, and life skills development will be implemented under the careful supervision of the DSWD,” Catapang said.

Catapang also stated that this innovative facility is set to redefine the approach to juvenile justice in the Philippines as this represents a critical shift away from traditional incarceration methods and this model not only addresses the needs of these young individuals but also supports their growth into responsible citizens.

Based on a memorandum of agreement signed by DSWD, Bucor and DPWH in February 2025, the DSWD as the lead government agency in social protection, welfare, and development, will provide funds for the project while the Bucor will operate, maintain supervise, and control the agricultural camp dedicated for CICL, and the DPWH will be in charged of the construction work for the project.

The P90 million AgriCamp is expected to be completed by early 2026.