Iwahig, Puerto Princesa City – On 03 October 2025, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) and the Western Philippines University (WPU) formalized a meaningful partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at WPU-Puerto Princesa Campus. This collaboration aims to support the reformation and reintegration of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who are nearing release, helping them build a better future after incarceration.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work together to deliver livelihood, educational, and psychosocial programs that focus on reducing recidivism and empowering PDLs to become productive members of society. WPU will lead the development and implementation of community-based research and extension initiatives tailored to the specific needs of PDLs. These programs will cover areas such as agriculture, fisheries, entrepreneurship, and technical-vocational education, along with psychosocial support. Faculty, extension workers, and students from WPU will engage directly with PDLs through training sessions, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations.
In return, IPPF will be responsible for identifying qualified PDL participants and ensuring their active involvement in the programs, providing the necessary facilities, logistics, and security to ensure smooth and safe implementation. Furthermore, it will take part in evaluating the programs as well, helping to refine and enhance the programs based on results and feedback.
BuCor Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, through IPPF Superintendent C/SUPT GARY A GARCIA, RCrim, MSCA, continues to supervise the partnership’s success in transforming the lives of PDLs and building stronger ties between educational institutions and correctional facilities.
CO1 Randy P Adores
Contributor
