IWAHIG

PRISON AND
PENAL
FARM
“THE PRISON
W I T H O U T WA L L S ”
HISTORY

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 H I S T O RY

The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm was founded in 1904 by the Americans as a colonial prison
facility in the Philippines. Back then, it was known as the “Iwahig Penal Colony.”
In 1955, Administrative Order No. 20 was promulgated by the President and implemented by
the Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This order
allowed the distribution of colony lands for cultivation by deserving colonists. The order also
contained a list of qualifications for colonists who wished to apply for a lot to cultivate, the
conditions for the settler’s stay in his land, loan requirements and marketing of the settlers’
produce. Lots granted did not exceed six hectares.
On August 16, 1959, a committee was created by President Carlos P. Garcia to study the state
of national prisons. Accordingly, prisoners in Iwahig were divided into two groups: the settlers
and colonists. 3
 KEY EVENTS
1904: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is established by Captain G.C. Reul,
an American military officer, as a penal colony in Palawan, Philippines.
1929: The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm becomes known for its focus on
agricultural self-sufficiency, with prisoners cultivating crops and tending to
livestock to meet their own food needs.
1960s: Governor Ramon Mitra Sr. implements reforms to expand
agricultural production, introduce new industries, and improve living
conditions for inmates at Iwahig.

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1970s-1980s: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm continues to evolve as a model
penal colony, with initiatives aimed at rehabilitation, education, and
productive work for inmates.

1990s: The Philippine government implements various reforms in the penal

system, including changes to sentencing laws and rehabilitation programs.
2000s: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm adapts to changing times, with
continued emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and skills training for
inmates.
Present: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm remains operational, serving as a
facility for the incarceration, rehabilitation, and reintegration of convicted
individuals in the Philippines.

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The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in the Philippines is one of
the world largest opened-air jails. Instead of the concrete walls
the prison is surrounded by a wire fence. A single guard at the
entrance gate greets tourists and criminals relatives without
inspecting them

Today, only 20 minimum inmates live with their family.

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 GOVERNOR LUKE WRIGHT

Governor Luke Wright authorized the establishment of a

penal colony in the province of Palawan on

November 16, 1904. This penal settlement, which

originally comprised an area of 22 acres, originally
served as a depository for prisoners who could not be
accommodated at the Bilibid Prison in Manila.

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 S U P E R I N T E N D E N T LT.
GEORGE WOLFE

The institution had for its first Superintendent Lt. George

Wolfe, a member of the U.S. expeditionary force, who later
became the first prisons director. Governor Luke Wright
authorized the establishment of a penal colony in the
province of Palawan on November 16, 1904.

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 S U P E R I N T E N D E N T G A RY
GARCIA

Current superintendent of the Iwahig Prison and Penal

Farm

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 SIZE OF IPPF

About Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

The facility was originally established in 1902 during
the American occupation of the Philippines. In 1906, it
was transformed into the central compound of the ‘free-
living’ penal colony. Since then, the penal settlement
has grown from 22 acres to now over 70,000 acres!

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Iwahig is subdivided into four zones or districts:
Central sub- colony with an area of 14,700
hectares; Sta. Lucia with 9,685 hectares;
Montible with 8,000 hectares and Inagawan with
13,000 hectares.

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 SETTLERS

A “settler” is a person who moves to and resides in a place for a

permanent or long-term period. In the context of the Iwahig Prison and
Penal Farm or other correctional facilities, a “settler” may refer to inmates
with a long-standing record of good behavior and demonstrated capability
to live independently within the community of Baryo Libertad or other
rehabilitation units. Settlers are typically granted more freedom and
responsibilities compared to other inmates, and they are part of the
rehabilitation process and preparation for their reintegration into society.

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 COLONIST
a "colonist" refers to newly arrived inmates who have not yet fully integrated
into the community of Baryo Libertad or other rehabilitation units. These
individuals may still be undergoing adjustment and rehabilitation processes,
and they may be subject to stricter regulations and monitoring compared to
more established inmates or "settlers." The term "colonist" signifies their
status as newcomers to the community and their ongoing journey toward
potential integration and participation in the rehabilitation programs of the
facility.

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 ACTIVITIES

The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm offers various activities for persons deprived
of liberty (PDL) aimed at rehabilitation, skill-building, and productivity. Some of
these activities include:
1. Agricultural Work: PDLs engage in farming activities such as planting,
tending to crops, and harvesting agricultural produce. This not only provides food
for the facility but also teaches valuable agricultural skills.
2. Livelihood Programs: There may be programs in place to teach PDLs various
vocational skills such as carpentry, handicraft making, sewing, or other trades to
help them acquire skills for potential employment upon release.

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3. Education: The facility may offer educational programs including basic
literacy classes, high school equivalency programs (GED), or vocational
training courses to help PDLs continue their education and improve their
prospects for reintegration into society.
4. Sports and Recreation: Sports and recreational activities such as
basketball, volleyball, or other team sports may be available to promote
physical health, teamwork, and camaraderie among the PDLs.
5. Religious Programs: Spiritual and religious services or programs may
be offered to support the spiritual well-being of the PDLs.

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6.Handicraft Production: Many PDLs engage in handicraft production,
creating items such as woven products, woodwork, pottery, and other crafts.
These products may be sold within the prison community or to external
markets, providing income for the inmates and supporting the sustainability
of the facility.
7.Vocational Training: Iwahig offers vocational training programs to PDLs,
providing them with opportunities to learn practical skills in fields such as
carpentry, masonry, welding, automotive repair, and computer technology.
These programs aim to equip inmates with marketable skills for potential
employment upon release.

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The income of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at Iwahig Prison
and Penal Farm typically comes from various sources within the
prison community. These may include wages earned from agricultural
work, handicrafts, or other forms of labor performed within the
prison. Additionally, some PDLs may generate income through small
businesses or enterprises operated within the prison grounds, such as
selling goods or services to other inmates or visitors. It’s also possible
for PDLs to receive financial support from family members or outside
organizations.

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Iwahig encourages a sense of community
among inmates, with communal living
arrangements and opportunities for cooperative
work and social interaction. This approach
contrasts with the more regimented and
isolated environment of many traditional
prisons.

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 SECURITY PROTOCOL

The security protocol of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is designed to maintain
order, ensure the safety of inmates and staff, and prevent escapes. While specific details
may vary, typical security measures include:
Guard Towers: Guard towers are strategically positioned around the perimeter to
provide surveillance and monitoring of the facility grounds.
Access Control: Access to the prison is tightly controlled, with entry and exit points
manned by security personnel. Visitors, staff, and supplies are typically subject to
screening and identification checks.

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Surveillance Systems: CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment may be
installed throughout the facility to monitor activity and deter misconduct.
Patrols: Security staff conduct regular patrols inside the prison compound to maintain
order, respond to emergencies, and ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
Searches: Random or scheduled searches of inmates, cells, and common areas are
conducted to confiscate contraband and maintain security.
Emergency Response: Protocols are in place to respond to emergencies such as riots,
fires, medical emergencies, or escape attempts. Staff are trained in emergency
procedures, and drills may be conducted regularly to ensure preparedness.

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P R I N C I PA L P R O D U C T

Corn, Rice, Copra, Logs and Minor forest

products and Cattle

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 B A R R I O L I B E RTA D
Barrio Libertad is an area that used to house inmates at the Iwahig Prison and Penal
Farm (IPPF), where their families stayed with them, The “Barrio Libertad” in Iwahig
Prison and Penal Farm is a space or area within the facility where some persons
deprived of liberty (PDL) reside. It’s a kind of community within the prison, with its
own way of life and governance, where PDLs may have more freedom of movement
and larger living spaces compared to the main prison compound.
In Barrio Libertad, PDLs can build their homes, cultivate crops, and participate in
various community activities such as education, economic productivity, or livelihood
programs. It’s a way of providing opportunities for PDLs to engage in meaningful
activities while incarcerated. The presence of the Barrio Libertad settlement area
within Iwahig allows for greater autonomy and self-governance among inmates who
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N E W FA C I L I T Y

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THANK YOU

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