THE country’s first agricultural rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law (CICL) officially broke ground Wednesday at the Inagawan Sub-Colony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan—marking a major milestone in juvenile justice reform.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the ceremonial groundbreaking, joined by Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

The 10-hectare facility fulfills a long-standing mandate under Presidential Decree No. 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code of 1974) and Section 51 of Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), which called for the establishment of an agricultural or forestry camp as an alternative to placing CICLs in regular penal institutions.

“After waiting more than 50 years, we are finally fulfilling our government’s responsibility to CICLs,” said Gatchalian.

“This agricultural camp will give these young individuals a chance to start anew—with access to education, skills, and support to help them become productive members of society,” he added.

The agri-camp will feature a comprehensive rehabilitation program including formal education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and agricultural work, aiming to reintegrate CICLs into society with dignity and purpose.

Gatchalian praised the whole-of-nation approach that made the project possible, citing support from BuCor, DOJ, DPWH, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council. He emphasized the synergy between infrastructure and rehabilitative services.

“This is where hardware and software meet—where DPWH engineers and DSWD social workers collaborate. Where gravel and sand meet intervention modules and case management tools,” he said.

The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with a formal inauguration planned for early 2026.