Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. disclosed on Friday that they are preparing to turn a Palawan property into a food and tourism hub soon.
This was revealed by Catapang during an afternoon interview on the sidelines of the Asian Regional Correction Conference (ARCC) held in Puerto Princesa.
“There is domestic demand in the area for rice, corn and cattle products, so we are preparing the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to be the workers,” Catapang said.
The vision for Palawan is to transform the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) into a secured, modern and sustainable development hub.
Catapang said the IPPF covers 28,328.64 hectares. It is divided into four colonies: Central Palawan, Montible Palawan, Sta. Lucia Palawan and Inagawan Palawan, each serving different rehabilitation and agricultural functions.
Catapang added that the facilities follow a unique correctional model that allows PDLs to engage in farming, vocational work and community-based activities.
The vast land area presents significant opportunities for sustainable development, balancing correctional reform with economic and ecological advancements.
Catapang said the modernization of Iwahig aims to transform it into a model for progressive rehabilitation while unlocking investment potential for eco-tourism and institutional expansion.
He mentioned that he was invited to present the food security masterplan to foreign delegates, adding that the area has great potential and that they are also considering building an airport.
“We have to leverage our assets to replicate development in Metro Manila. We don’t want to compete, but we want this area to be robust for the food supply chain and as an aqua and agri products hub,” Catapang said.