Ferdinand Miguel E Rojas 31/05/2024
DAPECOL REFLECTION PAPER
Educational tours provide a unique learning experience, offering students an opportunity to
gain insights beyond the classroom setting. I learned a lot during the educational tour in Davao,
mainly the struggles of PDL face such as overcrowding and the struggles of the correctional
officers such as understaffed personnel. The first day we visited the BJMPs women dormitory
and I experienced firsthand the day-to-day life of a PDL such as their routine, living quarters,
and the programs provided for rehabilitation of the PDLs
Recently, I had the chance to visit the Davao Penal Farm and Prison in the Philippines. This tour
was not just an exploration of a correctional facility but a profound journey into the realms of
justice, rehabilitation, and human rights. The visit has significantly influenced my understanding
of the penal system and the complexities involved in administering justice. The Davao Penal
Farm, established in 1932, is one of the oldest and largest correctional facilities in the
Philippines. Initially set up as a penal colony, it has evolved into a modern prison farm that
emphasizes rehabilitation through agricultural activities. The facility spans over a vast area,
housing thousands of inmates who are engaged in farming, livestock raising, and other
productive activities. This model aims to instill discipline and provide vocational training to
inmates, preparing them for reintegration into society. They also discussed the qualifications
required to both join the correctional personnel and the PDL. It was also surreal to experience
an emergency due to escapees from the institution which led to a halt in our educational tour
for safety purposes. During the last day of our educational tour, we learned the intricacies of
emergency response teams such as the ambulance, firetruck and other methods of responding
to dire situations.
The educational tour to in Davao was a transformative experience that provided valuable
insights into the complexities of the correctional system. It highlighted the importance of
rehabilitation, the need for systemic reforms, and the human aspect of incarceration. As I reflect
on this visit, I am more convinced of the necessity for a justice system that prioritizes humane
treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to reintegrate
into society successfully. This experience has not only broadened my understanding but also
deepened my commitment to advocating for a fairer and more compassionate justice system.
