Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is one of the big prisons located at Barangay Iwahig, close to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Today, this unique prison without the bars houses over 5000 inmates. Travellers can take a tour of the farm to understand and know the operations of the farm.

The US established the facility in 1902 during their colonization for the Filipino prisoners who had fought the wars with them. It formerly served as a depository to retain the inmates that could not be accommodated in Manila. In 1906, the institution was turned into the centre of a penal colony.

The inmates take up different jobs including fishery, farming, carpentry, forestry and paramedical fields for fixed wages. They are provided with basic housing and other essential facilities. Some of them are also involved in making handicrafts and souvenirs, all of which are sold at the shops in the colony.