Palawan Adventure - Iwahig prison and penal farm

Day 4 - We were scheduled for the half day city tour. First on the list is the Iwahig prison and penal farm. 

A unique penal system is implemented wherein the prisoners are not totally locked up, they can roam around the area and are given the privilege to choose whatever activities they want from farming, fishing and handicraft making. Those activities serve as their punishment. 

If not for our tour guide, I wouldn't think that I'm inside a prison and penal colony. It's like I'm visiting an hacienda in the province. Ducks, goats, cows and other farm animals can also be found within the vicinity. It's much like a typical community with a school, canteen, lodging and a hospital.

The Recreation Hall - the gift shop

The place is a one stop shop for souvenirs. A little pricey than what you can buy in the city but the products sure are worth it. Handcrafted by the inmates, the sales income will go to the inmates and their families by the time their sentence is lifted.

Prices range from P5.00 - P30.00 for key chains, bracelets and refrigerator magnets. 

T-shirts can be bought for P250-P300 depending on the design. Large wall decorations and wood works come at a much higher price ranging from P500-P3,000.

Sungka. wood carvings. crafts made of shells

My adorable nephew grooving with the inmates! 

A wide variety of refrigerator magnets, purses and key chain souvenirs

We had the chance to meet the prisoners. They were inside the gift shop actually selling the goods to visitors.

Warm greetings and heartfelt experiences were shared. I can't help but cry inside and feel pity for those guys. If only I can buy all the goods in there I would. Most of them have a new life waiting outside while others suffer the ill fate of permanent confinement inside until their last day.

Perfectly made wood works. Crocodile and Turtle - inspired stuffs

My mom enjoying her shopping time

This photo was taken by one of the inmates as we bid Adieu. 

One thing that the prisoners taught me:

 LIFE is too SHORT. LIVE it. SEIZE THE DAY as it comes. never do something that you will REGRET in the long run.