Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., led the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Philippines’ first agricultural campsite for children in conflict with the law (CICL) at the Inagawan Sub-Colony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 10-hectare facility aims to fulfill the directives of Presidential Decree No. 603 of 1974, also known as the Child and Youth Welfare Code, which calls for the establishment of agriculture or forestry camps for CICLs as an alternative to traditional penal institutions. This initiative is further supported by Section 51 of Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA).
Gatchalian expressed the significance of this development, emphasizing the government’s long-standing commitment to the welfare of CICLs as outlined in national laws. “After waiting for more than 50 years, we are now on the threshold of fulfilling our government’s responsibility towards the CICLs,” he stated in a news release. He highlighted that the camp will provide CICLs with essential resources to help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
The agricamp will offer various programs for CICLs, including education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and agricultural work. Gatchalian praised the collaborative efforts of the DSWD, BuCor, Department of Justice (DOJ), DPWH, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council in ensuring that the facility meets international standards and prioritizes the best interests of children.
Gatchalian described the project as a convergence of infrastructure and social services, where the DPWH’s engineering resources will integrate with the DSWD’s intervention modules and case management tools. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with its inauguration planned for the first quarter of 2026.
