The Village Tickler

Sixty agrarian reform beneficiaries from Calatagan, Batangas facing eviction due to land conversion announced today that they will march from Batangas to Metro Manila to protest a government decision to reclassify an agricultural area into a mining area to allow a private company to excavate limestone, a mineral used in the production of cement.

“With the looming food crisis because of the rice shortage, converting an agricultural land for mining is the height of shamelessness and indecency,” said Virginita Malaluan, one of the Calatagan farmers.

“It is a violation of human rights.”

“Maam, we can’t eat cement and hallow blocks are not edible,” Malaluan reminded President GMA.

The Calatagan farmers said that the government’s ban on land conversion is for naught if the policy climate for land conversion still exists. “The ban on land conversion that President GMA announced remains rhetorical until the government reverses unjust policies that encourage and lead to land conversion and land grabbing,” Malaluan said.

“How can the government seriously address the rice shortage when plans to convert agricultural lands as a strategy to evade agrarian reform continue despite the so-called ban? We challenge the GMA administration to be consistent in its declaration. A ban is a ban,” Malaluan added.

The farmers, who are agrarian reform beneficiaries of a 507.8 hectare property in Barangay Baha and Barangay Talibayog in Calatagan, Batangas, face eviction from their lands. They have already received Emancipation Patents under Marcos’ land distribution program when the property’s former owner, Ceferino Ascue, illegally sold the already distributed land in 1995 to Asturias Industries, Inc.

According to Atty.Magistrado Mendoza , in 1997, ASII entered into a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with the government and obtained an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from DENR to conduct mining activities in the area on the basis of a 1965 Bureau of Mines findings that the area is ‘mineralized’. After receiving the MPSA and ECC, ASII launched an
aggressive legal campaign to evict the farmers and reverse the distribution of the property.

In several decisions, DAR ruled in favor of ASII by affirming the company’s claim that, among others, the land was wrongly distributed because it was not predominantly planted with rice and corn, the land tenancy of the farmers was not established, and that the area is indeed mineralized.

The case was eventually brought to the Supreme Court, and in 2005, the High Court affirmed DAR’s ruling and declared the sale of the property to ASII valid.

The Calatagan farmers slammed the unholy collusion between the landowner, the mining firm, and government agencies that willingly exploited gaps in the existing agrarian reform law to grab lands from farmers.

We are victims of a triumvirate of greed. We tilled the land for more than ten years and we have already paid for it. The land is rightfully and legally ours,” said Zaldy Castrojeres.

The Calatagan farmers would begin their marching noise barrage on April 21, 2008 in Calatagan, Batangas. They are expected to arrive in Manila on April 27 and would continue their march to hold several protest actions in the Senate, DENR, and DAR. The Calatagan farmers would also attend the House of Representatives Committee on Agrarian Reform hearing on HB 1257, or the CARP Extension and Reform Bill, a measure that the farmers support to extend, strengthen and accelerate agrarian reform in the country.

Knowing our roots, our struggle began with a dream, a dream that someday we will reclaim the land that was once the source of life of our ancestors. We have dreamed that someday we will return to the sacred ground where our ancestors communed with the spirits and with each other. We dreamt of reclaiming our land that we lost to those who knew how to manipulate the laws. We have watched this land change hands not from a distance. At times we caressed the land and washed it with our sweat and tears as hired farm workers. Through the decades, the land was never far from us yet it seemed always beyond our reach – a wall of laws, titles, barbed wires and at times armed guards kept us away. But our dreams and longing never died through the passing of the generations.

After decades of seeming helplessness, our hopes were buoyed when in 1995 we became owners of the land through the agrarian reform program. But our rights under the law and our title meant nothing to those who wanted to keep our land for their own. Political maneuvers and influence, manipulations of the law, sheer brute force of arms kept us from taking possession of the land that is our birthright and the land that had become ours again through the social justice. In the face of the injustices committed against us, we chose to fight for what is justly and rightfully ours, and in spite of the grave injustices committed against us, we chose the way of peace. We chose to starve ourselves during a hunger strike in 1997 over violence. We chose to insist our legal rights through the courts that are biased against us, in the very legal system that is caught in the claws of the rich and the powerful. Grandiose plans of development, no matter how empty, were favored over our birthright and our hope to build our lives as farmer-tillers. Once again the legal system worked against us and we were once again dispossessed.

Keeping ourselves intact despite the setbacks, we chose to be patient. We waited for 5 years for an opportunity to renew our claim. Our land changed hands again, but the development plans they pitted against our claim remained empty promises. We petitioned the government to act on the matter. We subjected ourselves to the legal processes and we have given our full trust to our government institutions. But our pleas fell on deaf ears and hardened hearts. Years passed and we found no light in the legal system and institutions.

As so we walked more than 1,700 kilometers, for over two months, away from our homes in Sumilao, to the very seat of the power in Manila to make our voices heard. We left our homes with only our determination and belief in the justness of our claims, a faint glimmer of hope yet full of trustful prayers in our hearts. Against the odds and because of the unwavering support that our sacrifices had gathered, our Exodus had brought us where we are now, on the eve of our homecoming. On the eve of our reclaiming and taking possession of the land we fought, sacrificed, and struggled for so long and so hard.
But some say that we cannot call today a day of victory.

Acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices that we had to undergo, on this day we will celebrate the victory of perseverance, sacrifice and peaceful action. Our moral and legal claims over the land were reinforced by our undying commitment and our untiring resolve to suffer and sacrifice in the struggle for is right and just.

Gaining confidence in ourselves and our rights are fruits of patient and consistent formation of our partners have given us. Today is also the triumph of those who embrace the liberating practice of the legal profession, of lawyers who chose to live lives in educating, empowering and defending the rights of the marginalized like us. Our triumph is the triumph of paralegalism and alternative lawyering as fostered by our late lawyers Attys. Bob Gana and Caloy Ollado. Our cause has been our partners since the beginning; this triumph is as such much theirs as it is ours.

Acknowledging the tremendous and overwhelming impact that those who supported us gave to our campaign, today we also celebrate the victory of solidarity, of generous and unselfish hearts. We celebrate the triumph of fellowship and communion among people who broke the walls of indifference and passivity. We celebrate the victory of thousand of pairs of feet that joined us in our journey, the thousand of pairs of hands that fed us throughout our Exodus. We celebrate the thousand and one that consoling and encouraging words that melted the frustrations and desperations gnawing our hearts and soothed our aching and tired bodies. We celebrate the solidarity of our brothers and sisters in faith – the loving embrace and tears of our Cardinal, the steady and solid hands of our bishops, the caring embrace of our priests, nuns and brothers, the companionship of the young and the old ordinary men and women of the communities that gave us shelter. This day, we celebrate the triumph of solidarity and peaceful communal action.

On the eve of our taking possession of our land and as we celebrate and end our Exodus, we are aware that the system that has dispossessed us of our land, the system that worked against us, still remains intact. This system of inequity continues to work against peasants and prevents them from partaking of their just and rightful share of the bounty of our land.

As we end our Exodus, we remember our fellow farmers who walked with us in our solidarity. The farmers from Baha Talibayog in Calatagan, Batangas who are still suffering from the threat of being dispossessed of the land distributed to them through PD 27 which they have fully paid and have cultivated for almost three decades. We also remember fellow farmers in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental who are already CLOA-holders since 2001 but are not yet in actual possession and cultivation of their land because of a pending application for conversion of the former owner of the land. We remember, too, the thousand of farmers from the hacienda Yulo in Laguna who are, like us, victims of land conversion. We remember the tens of thousands of farmers in the haciendas of Negros and all over the Philippines whose lives continue to be in danger just because they have the right to own the land they slave for.

Today we remember the millions of landless farmers and farm workers who are in danger of losing the opportunity to rightfully and justly own the land they till as agrarian reform beneficiaries with the expiration of CARP this June 2008. We reiterate our call of performing and extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program by enacting into law House Bill 1257 and Senate Bill 2047. WE call on all to continue their support for the cause of these landless farmers.

Today our Exodus ends, but our dream of a more just and equitable society lives on. We renew our commitment to continue our struggle for meaningful reforms in our society. This struggle will only end when no more farmers shall fall victim to injustice, no more person needs to suffer and sacrifice like we did just to get what is right and just.

As we end this Exodus, we are aware that today would not have been possible without the support of various organizations and individuals who believed in our cause. To them we will forever be grateful. We shall express our gratitude everyday as we till our land and soothe it to bear fruit for us, our children and our community, for our country.

Today our Exodus ends, today we finally become tillers of the land we own since the beginning.

Sumilao Farmers
Mapadayonong Panaghiusa sa Lumad alang sa Damlag (MAPALAD)
San Vicente Landless Farmers Association (SALFA)
Panaghiusa sa mga Mag-uumang Nakibisog alang sa Yuta sa Sumilao (Panaw-Sumilao)

Since the 2:00 AM press conference of Jun Lozada with Bro. Armin Luistro and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, I monitored the events that unfold. Exhausting as it may seem, there’s a spark of hope in the revelation for truth and the courage to come out to speak out what he knew of the controversial ZTE scam.

Honest, heroic, sincere and convincing he may seem when he showed up in the Senate investigation but still the public goes on business as usual with indifference up to their sleeves. The public were convinced that Lozada is telling the truth and the public believes that there is something big that is being hidden to our knowledge but still life as dull or as vibrant as it may seem goes on without even thinking a grain of acts for Lozada. The spark failed to light up the people to go beyond seeing and judging.

The senators whom we admired and voted for the 2007 elections are simply pathetic: What happened to the brilliance of Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda who seems to be below their pre-Senate wit and more calculating with their inquiries? What happened to Joker Arroyo who pledged to be the people’s dragon who instead of slaughtering the bad monster vent his ire on the humble Jun Lozada? What happened to the other senators whom we knew of nailing their resource person on bended knees who failed miserably to tongue-tied the administration defenders who can’t pull their acts together?

Common sense points to a number of reasons: they were paid, they were posturing for the 2010 national election or they are just a bunch of politicians who loves grandstanding and loves to make a pointless argument on an already established facts.

We missed the spark to spank the accused and now that Lozada will fell out of the front page in the near future, he will just join the other spikes disappointed by apathy and frustrated with the kind of government we all allowed to rule. Changing the people in the government is hard work and I don’t think it’s only the left and the opposition who has the monopoly of the streets to do it or I don’t think it is only the mutineers and the rebels who has the arms to go change them. More than them, the silent majority must be heard for it is what matters most at this time.

We cannot allow fence sitters to lazily wait for things to unfold. If we think that we are being abused, go out and walk your way to the streets of protest. If we felt like we are being used, let the users think that way and let’s do our role of not allowing anyone to manipulate us into being brainwashed. Whether you are rich, poor or middle class, just come out wherever you are and take risk of being called a fool for ramming through the walls of power with or without necessarily making a dent.

At the end of it all, we can only be on the losing side of the fence if we allowed it to be that way and we default on our duties to be citizen.

I am a closet Catholic.

I lit candles on my favorite churches. I love visiting cathedrals and shrines. I confess my sins through silent prayers. I called on Christ’s name in times of anxiety and danger. I attend Eucharistic celebrations. I attend Christening. But I never took the body and blood of Christ for reasons I still don’t know until now.

I am a closet Catholic who feels like following the religious rituals but refused submission because I find the Catholic hierarchy sectarian and dogmatic at times and after all, I was a baptized Christian and fell out for I failed miserably becoming a disciple.

Today, as I came across with people with ashes on their heads, I was reminded of the opportunities meeting some senior prelates whom I find inspiring with their way of life, their progressive thoughts and their openness for social engagement.

Seeing the ashes on the foreheads of the people whom I was acquainted on the streets remind me of the likes of Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo whom I met a number of times who is truly committed in transforming the Catholic Church as church of the poor by responding to national issues by addressing social injustice and upholding human rights.

Funny how I remember crying and touched with his homily at San Beda Church during the Sumilao Walk last year in the same manner that I was touched with the homily of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales at Church of Jesu in Ateneo and how he hugged Manang Hilda of the Sumilao farmers when they arrived in Manila after walking thousand of kilometers just to reclaim their lands.

As I see people with ashes on their foreheads, I was reminded of how approachable, comforting and caring Cardinal Rosales when I first met him a year ago at the Achbishop’s Palace in Intramuros when we ask for his help in the case of some farmers in Calatagan, Batangas. How warm his smile narrating how he struggles for environmental protection and for the rights of the marginalized and the poor in the upland communities of Bukidnon and in the farms of Batangas when he was still a bishop.

Not to be missed is how I was reminded of my favorite bishop, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa City who is just a text away and never failed to remember sending messages for prayer, for celebration and asking for updates on how he can be of help in our campaign for agrarian reform, mining and for the extension and reforming CARP in favor of the rural poor.

Although I am more incline to shift my advocacy on socio-economic concerns more than political rights, I still find the writings of Abp. Oscar Cruz and the works of the bishops belonging to Kilusan ng Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME)– Antonio Tobias, Deogracias Yniguez and Julio Labayen — on political institutional reform, transparency and accountability, extra-judicial killings and against graft and corruptions as relevant and important in building democratic institutions and hopes for socio-political actions for social transformation.

The ashes on our foreheads today reminds us not only of these senior prelates whom I find inspirational in the Catholic Church and their openness, commitment and passion for the dignity of the marginalized is a continuing remembrance of the need for social consciousness, justice and engagement.

In the context of the Lenten season and the declaration of this year as Year of Social Engagement, let us heed the call of the Church to reflect on personal and institutional commitment in helping promote a counterculture where the dignity of the person, the quality of life, the protection of nature and the search for peace and political stability that will better serve the human community are upheld.

So be it.

Gone are the charms of Cong. Jose De Venecia and the rainbow coalition shines no more as the leadership battle royale in the House of Representative comes to an end with Speaker Prospero Nograles emerging as winner and signals the end of the proxy war between the Arroyos and the De Venecias.

It’s a tie between the Arroyos and the De Venecias: De Venecia gaining a point on implicating the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo on the controversial ZTE broadband deal as exposed by Joey while the Arroyos gains a point for ousting the five time speaker and installing a long time ally of Jose De Venecia.

It hurts badly for JDV: betrayed by Mrs. Arroyo whom he accounted almost all favors he did in his priveleges, ousted by neophyte members of the House of Representative by simply asking for “more staffs to perform their legislative obligations” in all fashion and passion, it was seasoned politician/protege Prospero Nograles replacing him in the post and taking him by surprise with Cong. Baham Mitra, son of his erstwhile political opponent, taking the initiative to declare the position of speakership vacant amidst a gentlemen’s agreement.

With an overwhelming outcome of votes against JDV, it is crystal clear that indeed he was politically backstabbed by people whom he thought is with him until kingdom comes and who nods on his hour long privilege speech and political accounting. There is nothing new with his privilege speech and as a matter of fact, it is just sour graping. We heard about how the Arroyos rigged the 2004 election, his moral revolution, on begging for a pork barrel, those people in the corridors of power in Malacanan, the attempt to assassinate the De Venecias and everything there is to know on how the Arroyo bloc rules the House.

Instead of bringing Gloria down, the speech is a suicide note that makes us indifferent with the decaying character of our political system. I have this sense that JDV failed or denied that all signs over the weekend tells clearly that Gloria is done with him and she needs to run the House on her own terms by all means and nobody cares whether JDV becomes anti-Gloria at the end of the day for he will be remembered as the sour graping loser.

Political configuration in the House will change drastically but nothing will substantially change in their output: social reform legislative agenda will be delayed, pork barrels will still be controlled against the anti-Gloria solons and you still have to beg, agrarian reform’s future is dimmed with Speaker Nograles closely associated with the Floreindos in Davao and the Mindanao Agribusiness, some neophyte House members will have additional staffs but let us not expect that they’ll be hiring effective and efficient people to do the work, doubt that the leadership team will clean the image of the House and lastly, the 14th Congress will just be the House of Arroyos rubber stamping either the charter change or other matters that benefits whoever in power.

Is this the reform that their constituencies wanted in the very first place: hypocrisy,  status quo and personal party stands.

Apologies for the broken links, the hiatuses, changing templates, redirections of domain, the deletion of all the entries and everything there is to apologize for but if you’re not really affected, please disregard this pathetic apologies and rest assured that I’ll be keeping this site breathing as I already made up my unstable mind to renew my commitment to blogging and hopping to other blogs will always be part of my routine in the spirit of keeping the blogosphere alive, kicking and rolling with our little contributions.

To be frank about it: the only reason why I am starting from scratch is the fact that I messed up big time with my cpanel files and accidentally scrapping everything there is. It’s a huge technical stupidity but , in an effort to be positive about it, I think it’s a liberating experience to be eliminating all the dirt bags I accumulated online for the last four years of blogging.

Honestly, it’s a refreshing experience to start all over again, geared up for more blogging experience and explore new ideas and new thoughts waiting to be embargoed.

And hopefully, we can still have an opportunity to exchange notes, links, support each other’s cause, extend solidarity on our solitary confinement or simply waste our time hopping from one blog to another the same way that the bees pollinate the flowers that makes our world smile.

I know, the bees analogy is mushy but you can’t blame me for I watched Bee Movie a few minutes before posting this entry and enough said, looking forward another year of dispatches from the dirty chair.

Cagayan de Oro City – To protest the refusal of DAR to issue a notice of coverage and cease and desist order, the farmers camped at the office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Macanhan, Cagayan de Oro City.

During their previous dialogues, Regional Director John Maruhom promised the farmers that once the conversion order is revoked, he will not hesitate to issue a notice of coverage.

But when the farmers asked Maruhom for his promised notice of coverage last December 20, two days after the Office of the President (OP) revoked the conversion order, Maruhom said that the farmers should not “literally” interpret what he said before. This time, he said that he will have to wait for the date when the OP order will become final.

Thus, on January 3 (this year), the day after the OP order was supposed to become final and executory, the Sumilao farmers once again went to the DAR regional office to ask Maruhom to issue a notice of coverage and cease and desist order. Maruhom however insisted that said OP order has not yet become final and executory since there is still no order of finality from the OP.

Maruhom’s equivocal stance disappointed the Sumilao farmers and their support groups.

“It is about time that the DAR should exercise its political will by issuing the notice of coverage,” said Arlene J. Bag-ao, counsel of the Sumilao farmers. She further added that DAR should also issue a cease and desist order since it is clear from the OP’s revocation order that the ongoing construction of the hog farm is illegal.

Maruhom’s stance forced farmers to set up camp at the DAR regional office.

With Maruhom’s refusal to issue a notice of coverage and cease and desist order, the Sumilao farmers have decided to have an encampment at the office of DAR region 10.

“Since RD Maruhom insists that he will have to wait for the order to become final, we have decided to help him wait. We will have to stay here until the notice of coverage and cease and desist order shall be issued,” said Rene Penas, paralegal office of the Sumilao farmers.

Penas, however, made it clear that there is really no need for DAR to wait for the order to become final if it is really interested to seriously implement its program.

The farmers have already set up their tent inside the DAR office. But they are advised by Maruhom to transfer their encampment outside the DAR office on Monday (January 7) because they might scare away the other “clients” of DAR.

Bishops Pacana and Ledesma support the new episode of protest

Before embarking on their protest, the farmers had the blessing and support of Bishop Honesto Pacana, Archbishop of Malaybalay City.

“We embarked on this mode of struggle unafraid and confident because we have the blessing of our very own Bishop,” said Peter Tuminhay.

According to Tuminhay, Bishop Pacana himself suggested that the Sumilao farmers could exert pressure against DAR by picketing in its office, or at any strategic place in Cagayan de Oro City. Bishop Pacana also wrote a letter to President Arroyo asking her to issue a notice of coverage, and to express his disappointment over the decision of the OP for its failure to issue a cease and desist order.

Bishop Ledesma is also supportive of their protest. He said that the diocese is open for any help that the farmers need to be successful in this stage of their protest. In particular, he advised the farmers to go to the parish of Balulang and Carmen, as well as to the Social Action Center of the diocese for their immediate needs.

Also, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) itself has taken the cudgels of the Sumilao farmers to ensure that justice shall be delivered to them.

Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Emano supports the Sumilao Farmers

The Sumilao farmers also elicited the support of the local government of Cagayan de Oro City. In particular, Hon. Vicente Emano of Cagayan de Oro City publicly supports them. He gave the Sumilao farmers he gave 2 sacks of rice when they visited them yesterday (January 4). Vice Mayor Emano was the former mayor of the city.

He also promised the Sumilao farmers that he will try to talk to President Arroyo and plead their case when she will visit the city on January 7 or 11.

Bagong taon ngayon at hindi April Fools’ Day at hindi ko kailanman masasakyan ang anumang paanyaya na sumakay muli sa jeep ni Erap matapos siyang ma-impeach, mapatalsik, makulong at ma-pardon dahil sa plunder.

Hindi rin ako tanga (at siya nawang hindi rin tanga ang 7 sa bawat 10 Pilipino) na magsasayang ng boto para lamang iluklok muli sa posisyon si Erap.

Hindi na nga kagalang-galang ang kasalukuyang nakaupo at sira na nga ang integridad ng tanggapan ng pangulo bilang isang pampulitikang institusyon, wawasakin at babalahurain pa ba naman ng sobra ng dahil kahayukan sa kapangyarihan?!

Sana ang napapabalitang pagbabalik-pangulo ni Erap ay isa lamang sa mga Erap jokes na masarap pagsaluhan sa lahat ng umpukan at kailanman ay hindi maging katotohanan.

Mas nais ko pa ngang paniwalaan, na magbabalik-pangulo lamang siya sa pelikula o soap opera na nais niyang gawin para kumita ng pera at mabawi ang lahat ng binayad at muling ipundar ang mga kinumpiskang ari-arian mula sa kanya matapos siyang i-convict ng Sandiganbayan.

Sa dahilang matagal pa ang 2010, hindi pa rin ako mapapalagay dahil kadalasan ang dumi ng hanging pulitika ay mapagbirong tunay.

Sumilao farmers ask DAR to issue Notice of Coverage and Cease and Desist Order.

Sixteen days after the Office of the President issued an Order revoking the Conversion Order of the 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukidnon, the Sumilao farmers will go to the Regional Office of the DAR X to ask for the issuance of the Notice of Coverage. The December 18, 2007 Order signed for the President by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita effectively reverted the 144-hectare land into agricultural use for the failure of the former owner NQSRMC and its new owner San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) to abide with the requirements of the Conversion Order.

The Order was issued after 55 farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon walked 1,700-kilometers from their homes to Malacañang seeking the revocation of the conversion order and subsequently subject the land to agrarian reform. Upon the issuance of the December18 Order, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo mad it clear that it was the first step towards “returning the land to the Sumilao farmers.” Ten Sumilao farmers will seek audience with DAR Regional Director John Maruhom today and vowed to camp out in front of the DAR Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro until the Notice of Coverage and the Cease and Desist Order is issued.

Atty. Arlene Bag-ao, legal counsel of the Sumilao farmers said that the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Office of the President must realize the urgency of decisive action in the Sumilao case. “While the DAR waited for 15 days to allow SMFI to appeal the Order, SMFI continued its construction without let up. Every day that DAR wastes dragging its feet means that the farmers are losing land to SMFI’s continuous illegal construction. DAR Sec. Nasser Pangandaman has to stop the illegal construction before its too late for its department to implement its program. The ongoing construction of a hog farm was declared illegal and was one of the violations cited in the OP’s revocation of the conversion order. Its about time that DAR should show political will to enforce the order” Bag-ao said.

Samuel Merida, president of Mapalad Multi-Purpose Cooperative said that the Sumilao farmers have allowed the DAR enough space to enforce the order of the Office of the President. “Now that the fifteen days have expired, DAR no longer has any alibi to delay subjecting the land to agrarian reform. That is why we are asking DAR Region X Director John Maruhom to immediately issue the Notice of Coverage to begin the process of land distribution” he said.

Napoleon Merida Jr, president of San Vicente Landless Farmers Association (SALFA) said that the Sumilao farmers have already planned out their next moves including a contingency plan should the DAR and the Office of the President fail to make good of its pronouncements to distribute the land to the Sumilao farmers. “We are ready to cooperate with the DAR should it immediately order SMFI to stop all developments in the area and begin the process of land distribution. However, we have also prepared our contingency plans should the DAR continue dragging its foot allowing SMFI to continue with its illegal construction.

By walking from Sumilao to Manila we have shown how much we can sacrifice to assert our rights. We will not stop until the land is distributed under the agrarian reform program. We are ready to sacrifice more for the sake of justice” Merida Jr. said.

Mga dapat iwan sa 2007: si Erap Estrada, si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at ang laksa-laksang mga Pilipino na patuloy pa ring nakikipag-ungguyan sa biyahe ng lipunang walang patutunguhan dahil sa kaguluhan, kahayukan at kasakiman sa kapangyarihan at kaban ng bayan.

Mga dapat asahan sa 2008: ang pagkauntog ng taumbayan sa katotohanan at pagbalikwas ng masang Pilipino para sa katarungan, karapatan, kalayaan at pagkapantay-pantay.

Ito ang totoong mensahe ko: maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagkakataon, pagsubok, pagkakaibigan at hindi pagkakaunawaan sa taong 2007 dahil kung wala ang mga ito, walang kahulugan at kabuluhan ang parating na taon sa buhay ni Gari.

Sa ating lahat, bawal ang GD (read: gagong-determinado) at i-enjoy lang ang panahon ng kapaskuhan kahit butas pa ang bulsa at marami pa tayong bubutasin.

Cagayan de Oro – The Sumilao farmers arrived in Cagayande Oro at around 7:30 am today on-board a C130 plane from Villamor airbase. Cagayan de Oro was the Sumilao farmers’ first stop in their 1,700 kilometer walk from Sumilao, Bukidnon to Manila which started last 10 October 2007. It was during their walk between Sumilao and Cagayan de Oro when they received the news that the Office of the President dismissed their petition for cancellation and/or revocation of the conversion order.

More than two months after, and after crossing almost the entire length of the archipelago, the Sumilao farmers return with the revocation order in their belt. They began the walk to Manila as a show of their frustration of the government’s incapacity to provide justice for they, they returned as champions of the interests of landless peasants and agrarian reform.

“Sa among paglakaw paingon dire sa Cagayan de Oro niadtong unang adlaw sa among lakaw, naglakaw kami nga bug-at ang among mga kasing-kasing tungod sa balitang na-dismiss ang among petition sa office of the President. Karon sa among pagbalik, puno kami sa paglaum. Paglaum nga nagsumikad sa mainiton nga suporta nga among natagamtaman sa lain laing bahin sa Pilipinas, suporta gikan sa Simbahan nga gipanguluhan ni Cardinal Rosales ug mga Obispo, mga madre ug mga pari. Nakuha namo ang suporta lain-laing pundok sa katilingban. Mibalik kami karon, puno ug paglaum (During our walk to Cagayan de Oro on the first day of our walk, we walked with heavy hearts upon receiving the news about the dismissal of our petition. Now we return full of hope. Hope that is buoyed by the strong support we received all over the country, support from the Church led by Cardinal Rosales and the bishops, priests and nuns. We were able to gain the support of the different sections of our society. We are back and we are hopeful) said Toto Anlicao, member of MAPALAD.

Samuel Merida, President of the Mapalad Multipurpose Cooperative said that the hope that sprung from the support of the Church and the revocation of the conversion order and other small victories they achieved from their 1,700-kilometer walk gives Christmas for the Sumilao farmers a little more meaning. He also said that they will use this to rejuvenate and gather their strength for the long struggle ahead.

“Miuli kami dinhi tungod kay ang sunod nga mga lakang sa among pakigbisog ania man dinhi. Sa mga musonod nga mga adlaw among hagiton ang DAR dinhi nga mag-issue na sa Notice of Coverage ug paspasan na nila ang mga mosunod nga mga lakang aron mapatunhay na ang gisaad sa Presidente nga ibalik na kanamo ang 144-hectares. Hingpit ang among pagtoo nga tungod sa suporta sa mga Obispo, sa mga opinion sa lain-laing mga eksperto hilabi na ang mga kanhing mga Kalihim ug opisyales sa DAR ug ang mga saad sa Pangulo, wala na’y lain pang rason ang DAR para lan ganon ang pagproseso sa pagpatuman sa repormang agraryo. (We went back home because the next steps in our struggle will take place here. In the next few days, we shall challenge the DAR to immediately issue the notice in order to put into concrete actions the decision of the President. We firmly believe that because of the support of the Bishops, the opinions of experts like the former DAR secretaries and officials and the commitments of President Arroyo, we are confident that there is there is no more reason that theDAR to drag its feet on in proceeding in the implementation of agrarian reform.”.

Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ will meet with the Sumilao farmers later in the day and will escorted them back to San Vicente, Sumilao. Joining the farmers in a convoy are various members of people’s organizations and local Church organizations led by the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Several representatives from the various support organizations in Manila accompanied the farmers in the trip back to Cagayan de Oro. Among them are the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), Office of Social Concern and Involvement of the Ateneo de Manila University, SALIGAN, KAISAHAN and the Reform CARP Movement (RCM).

“Bloggers Call for Boycotting of Monterey/Purefoods Products in support of Sumilao farmers. This Christmas season, December 15, 2007 to January 2, 2008. Bring down the sales of San Miguel Food, Inc. to show public support to the farmers of Bukidnon who were denied of their 144 hectares of land. Please pass to all bloggers.”

Dear Blogger-Friends,

I apologize if I failed to update you since the time the Sumilao farmers reached Metro Manila for I am offline most of time doing some tasks for them. In the meantime, kindly visit ‘Tay Schumey’s The Philippine Experience to be updated on what’s happening with the farmers who are currently camped out in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform and we urged you to please add your voice in the plight of the farmers.

Thanks,

Gari Lazaro

Sumilao farmers are on their way to Manila. They are currently in San Pedro, Laguna. They are staying at Poblacion Covered Court, which is 300 meters away from San Pedro Catholic Church.

Tomorrow morning, at exactly 6:00 AM, they’ll be reaching the first city stop in the National Capital Region—Muntinlupa City—and at this point in time, we would like to invite everyone to meet and welcome Sumilao farmers at Alabang Barangay Hall near Muntinlupa Public Market at 9:00 AM. Madadaanan lang po ang Alabang Barangay Hall if you are going to Filinvest Center or Festival Mall.

From Alabang Barangay Hall, they’ll be having their lunch at Children’s Haven Covered Court at DSWD Compound in front of Alabang Town Center and from there they’ll proceed to St. Andrew Cathedral at La Huerta, Paranaque City.

Hopefully, you can meet and interact with Sumilao farmers on their arrival in Metro Manila.

The Sumilao farmers, fifty four (54) of them, will be joined by thirty seven (37) farmers from Barangay Baha-Talibayog, Calatagan, Batangas in the entire Metro Manila leg of the walk. Calatagan farmers were expressing solidarity to Sumilao as they too have a case pending at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for immediate resolution against the San Miguel Corporation’s subsidiary Asturias Chemical Industries.

For the details of the Sumilao Walk, you may contact me through text for updates: 0920-9506901 or you may check my twitter as I’ll be twitting about it.

The ranks of the Sumilao farmers have grown thicker as they walk from Lucena City to Tiaong. This is because various peasant organizations in Quezon joined the Sumilao farmers in order to show their solidarity, and to express to the government that they have the same sentiments as that of the Sumilao farmers. They too want to have a land of their own to till and cultivate.

The overwhelming support that the Sumilao farmers in their walk to Tiaong was not surprising because from the time they entered the province of Quezon, the basic sectors, especially the peasant groups, have been in the forefront of expressing their all out support. But the convergence of the various groups and their joining the march during the last leg touched the Sumilao farmers.

“I am confident that, with the support we have received from the time we left our barangay in Bukidnon until now, we will be successful in our struggle this time,” said Danny Buclasan, one of the Sumilao marchers.

Quezon Province is known for having vast areas of coconut plantations. It is in fact known as the country’s leading producer of coconut products such as coconut oil and copra. Hence, the province also has numerous coconut farmers and farmworkers, who organized themselves to form a solid collective to push for the serious implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which until now is not fully implemented.

“We have joined the ranks of Toto Merida and his fellow Sumilao farmers because we sincerely feel that like us they have legitimate issues which the government should address immediately,” said the leaders of Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Palayan at Niyugan (SAMPAN).

Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law is considered a social justice legislation that is supposed to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of the farmers particularly those who are landless. Unfortunately, the law is being used, from its enactment, by those who are influential and in power, for their personal benefits. Worst, the prime government agency that is entrusted for the implementation of the law seemed to be in rubbing elbows with the said few influential individuals.

The Sumilao farmers left Lucena city with confidence and gratitude of the support they received. These are manifested with their physical presence during the walk, organizing and coordinating with various LGUs and other like-minded groups/supporters, and donations.

They left Lucena city early in the morning. While on their way, different groups await and joined them, and the ranks of the marchers have grown thicker as people gradually joined in.

The weather was good and cooperated with the jubilant mood of the marchers. During the march, they were also escorted by the PNP of Lucena City and Candelaria. Sirens of their motorcycles echoed the roads as they continuously guided the marchers for yesterday’s route.

Support groups likewise assisted the Sumilao Farmers in distributing leaflets and other reading materials related to the cause and struggle of the latter. They did not encounter any difficulty distributing said reading materials because by-standers and motorists themselves were asking for a copy. In fact, a lot of by-standers gave them short messages of support and solidarity and promised that they will pray for the Sumilao Farmers and other landless farmers in the country. More than 3,000 leaflets printed by BALAOD Mindanaw and PAKISAMA have been distributed all throughout their walk from Lucena City until they reach the Municipality of Tiaong.

Up till now, donations of clothes, medicines, sacks of rice, different groceries, and others was overflowing. According to Danny Buclasan the donations they received could certainly sustain the meals of the Sumilao Farmers at least for the next few days.

The farmers are very grateful with all the support they keep on receiving even from the start of the campaign. However, what they need is beyond the foods and other forms of donations to keep them healthy all throughout their walk. They need a land they can consider as theirs; their own land that they can freely till and develop. And they are asking what is legally theirs – the 144-hectare agricultural land in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

Several columnists have recently disparaged the “Walk for Justice” of Sumilao farmers, saying the marchers are actually farmer-beneficiaries.

One columnist had gone to the extent of saying that “the Sumilao dispute seems to be about beneficiaries of the [Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program] whose desire for property has become insatiable as the greediest of landowners.”

Another columnist asked: “Was there really any injustice done when these very same farmers who are claiming to be landless have actually been landless for a little short of a decade now?”

Obviously, not one of them had tried to ask the side of the farmers or to consider other information aside from those fed by the former landowner (Quisumbing).

The walk for justice occurred, and thus the Sumilao case reared its head once more, recisely because of the continuing injustice committed against the farmers.

True, the 78 Mapalad farmers were recipients of the 66 hectares voluntarily offered by the kind-hearted Salvador Carlos, who took pity on the farmers after they lost the case to President Ramos’ former executive secretary Ruben Torres and the Supreme Court. They each received about 0.8 hectare. The 87 other farmers who belong to San Vicente Landless Farmers’ Association (SALFA) did not receive any land.

Please take a look if there is any justice in this: DAR placed the 144-hectare property of Norberto Quisumbing under coverage of CARP in 1990. To escape CARP, Quisumbing applied for conversion. DAR Secretary Ernesto Garilao denied the conversion. DAR proceeded with the CARP process and issued the certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to the 165 Sumilao farmers in 1994.

Quisumbing appealed to the Office of the President, along with a proposal for a five-development plan of his property. The development plan included the establishment of a development academy, a cultural center, an institute for livelihood science, a museum,
a library, a golf course, a sports development complex, an agro-industrial park, forest development and support facilities, and construction of a 360-room hotel, restaurant, housing projects, and others.

In 1996, Torres approved the land conversion based on the terms of Quisumbing’s proposed five-year development plan. Not only did he reverse Garilao’s denial order, he allowed conversion of an irrigated land, contrary to existing rules of conversion. He also declared that the Sangguniang Bayan of Sumilao has authority to convert lands when any local government should first get certification or clearance from DAR that the land being converted is not subject to redistribution under CARP.

There were many errors in Torres’ decision, yet the Supreme Court upheld it in 1999 simply because the DAR failed to file a timely motion for reconsideration, allowing the Torres order to lapse into finality.

Hence, the SC decision was based on technical grounds, not on substantial issues of the case.

The SC decision resulted in the cancellation of CLOAs of the 165 Sumilao farmer-beneficiaries. Taking pity on the farmers, landowner Salvador Carlos offered to
them 66 hectares of his property beside the Quisumbing property.

When Torres issued his decision, he declared: “Converting the land in question would open great opportunities for employment and bring about real development in the area towards a sustained economic growth in the municipality.

Eleven years after Torres’ decision, and eight years after the SC decision, no development took place in the Quisumbing estate. Instead of implementing his proposed five-year development plan, he had his land registered under a new title. In February 2002, less
than a month after the new title, Quisumbing sold the land to San Miguel Foods Inc., which is currently constructing a piggery farm in the 144 hectares.

Now, what’s that question again by one of the columnists?

Was there really any injustice done to the farmers?

The answer is obvious.

Signed:

Raul Socrates Banzuela
National Coordinator
Lakaw Sumilao, Walk for Justice

Even Typhoon Mina Veered Away and Spared the Marchers from Destruction of its Fury. As fate would have it, typhoon Mina spared the Sumilao Farmers from its fury.

The Sumilao Farmers were in Gumaca, Quezon Province when typhoon Mina brought massive destruction in areas where it passed. In the 26 November 2007 issue of the PDI (11/26/07-8:47AM), it reported that typhoon Mina displaced hundreds of families, triggered power outages, and downed communication lines.

The Sumilao Farmers were still in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte when they heard the news that super typhoon Mina will hit the province of Quezon. In order to escape the forecasted damage of Mina, the farmers forced themselves to walk 52 kilometers from Sta. Elena to Gumaca. They decided to stay in Gumaca for another day because they were strongly advised not to proceed to Malinao, Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon.

Fortunately, typhoon Mina veered away from its expected course, and moved out of the country. The farmers attribute their being spared from Mina by the guidance of Magbabaya.

“Before we started our walk in Luzon, we asked that Magbabaya will bless our walk in Luzon, protect us from sickness and calamities, and that our spirit will forever remain strong,” said Roger Anlicao, one of the Sumilao Farmers.

But the Sumilao Farmers have yet to face the effects of tropical storm Lando, which according to the same PDI article, will reenter the country, and would hit Mindoro Island, the Bondoc Peninsula, the Sourther portion of Quezon Province and Camarines Norte.

For now, however, the weather is better, and allows the Sumilao Farmers with their walk.

“The weather is good for us now, but whatever happens in our way to Malacanang, we have prepared to face all circumstances that await us,” said Joey Racasa, also one of the marchers.

On 25 November 2007, as early as 4:00AM, the Sumilao Farmers started to walk again for another 33 kilometers negotiating the whole stretch from Gumaca to Atimonan. They arrived in their destination at around 4:00PM.

The following day, they woke up at 2:30AM and an hour after their morning rituals, they started traversing the road from the municipality of Atimonan to Lucena City, the Regional Center of the province.

PAKISAMA’s version of Umalokohan (barker) was set up to introduce the Sumilao Farmers to the public and to discuss and explain the Walk for Sumilao Land, Walk for Justice Campaign.

Approximately 400 supporters round up the Sumilao Farmers when the marchers reached the boundary of Municipality of Pagbilao and Lucena City. Streamers bearing calls and support for the Sumilao Farmers were displayed.

When the marchers were approaching said area, stream of applause and warm welcome echoed along the road. After which, a short and moving program was organized by PAKISAMA which was headed by Ka Cita. As speakers from the Sumilao Farmers explained their plights and discussed the rationale of their 60-kilometer walk from Bukidnon to Manila, support groups responded with their respective solidarity messages.

Some of the support groups that were known to the Sumilao Farmers particularly during their Quezon province leg include: MAMAMAYAN, Kilusang Mangingisda (KM), BINHI, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon Association for Rural Development and Democratization Services, inc., Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka at Mangagawa sa Niyugan ng Gitnang Quezon, UGNAYAN, Alay Kapwa Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Municipal Organization of UGMA-PAKISAMA, Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Unisan at Agdangan, SAMALO, SAMACA, KAMALAYAN, SAMANA, Akbayan Quezon, Tanggol Kalikasan, Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kanlurang Tayabas (SAMAKATA), Pinag-isang Tinig ng mga Magsasaka (PINTIG), Katuparang para sa Tunay na REpormang Agraryo (KATUPRAN), KAISAHAN, SALIGAN, LGU of Lucena City and Province, LGU of Malinao Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon, PNP National and local, Bureau of Fire Protection, Samahan ng Maliliit na Magsasaka sa F. de Jesus, Ugnayan Sariaya, DSWD Region IV and local, Philippine Red Cross and Hermana Fausta IP’s in Tayabas, Quezon.

The Katutubo of Tayabas, Quezon even offered a gift to the farmers as a symbol of their support. Likewise, local media joined the marchers as they walked from Malinao to Lucena City.

They arrived at Punzalan Gym in Lucena City at around 3:00PM

On 23 November 2007, the Sumilao Farmers left Sta. Elena at 4:00AM. With an update coming from Pag-asa Weather Bureau that Super Typhoon Mina will heat the Province of Quezon, they decided to walk until they reach Gumaca, Quezon. They were supposed to walk until Lopez, Quezon but they have to avoid the chances of being stranded in flooded venues because of the typhoon. The original 32 kilometers for the day turned out be 52 kilometers. They walked what would have been a two-day march by not stopping in Calauag and Lopez Quezon.

In these municipalities, the facilities are not equipped for possible problems like heavy rains and flood. Signal number 2 is up to Quezon Province and is expected to raise to signal number 3 by 7:00PM. They walked at a steady yet faster pace – they call this double step. This was not the first time they did this. In some stretch of their Mindanaw, Visayas and Bicol legs, they too had their double step march to avoid getting caught by bad weather and sometimes to arrive in their point of destination on time or ahead of time.

On their way to Gumaca, there were no rains in the areas they passed but the sky was cloudy and the winds are strong. While passing on some roads with tall trees on their sides, sometimes the marchers were running from time to time because of the fear that trees might fell.

They arrived in the Municipal Hall of Gumaca, Quezon at around 5:00PM, two hours before the eye of storm Mina would be in Manila. Since they were one day ahead of their schedule, the locals from the municipality were quite surprised and were not able to prepare things the farmers would need. This caused a little panic and some misunderstandings. Fortunately, through the initiative and resourcefulness of Gumaca Vice Mayor Carmela Josefa R. Lavides, problems were facilitated. They were supposed to rest and sleep at the covered court but due to the storm, said vice mayor offered her office and of some councilors to be the resting place of the marchers.

The support groups were not able to meet and welcome the Sumilao Farmers because they arrived one day ahead, and because of the coming storm. It was expected that a number of farmer organizations from the Province will visit them. The DAR Province and San Diego Parish Church however, visited the marchers and showed their solidarity.

The Sumilao Farmers were all tired and angry. They were tired because of their pace and the distance they traversed. Right after they ate their dinner, they all went to sleep. And they were angry with the DAR for not acting on their case. They asked how many storms they would have to brave before the 144-hectare land is returned to them.

The following day, the Sumilao Farmers decided to conduct their usual Reflection and Learning Session in Gumaca Town Hall. The Vice Mayor and some locals from Gumaca advised them to stay for at least another day because the weather is unstable.

The advisory of Pag-asa is still the same. They maximized the opportunity to attend to their personal concerns and in the afternoon, had their Learning Session.

Few minutes after they took their lunch, they all gathered and convened to discuss their issues, strengthen their ranks and share their personal thoughts and experiences. Everyone was given the chance to talk. They all actively participated in the discussion.

One of the highlights of their discussion during the Learning Session was that they really have to depend among themselves because their medic left due to the storm. They have to strengthen their paramedic team, though with a very minimal know-how, on giving first aid and medical treatments to their fellow marchers. Good thing, Dr. Grace Bag-ao is constantly and regularly communicating with the team. The paramedic team is receiving at least twice a day phone call from Dr. Bag-ao asking their condition and reminding of their vitamins. She is also giving advises on some medical concerns of the marchers. Dr. Bag-ao is not physically with the march, but the Sumilao Farmers can still feel her tender loving care. The farmers are praying for her faster recovery and hoping that soon, they will see her again, if not in the march, most probably in Manila shouting with them in front of Malacanang or DAR Central Office or in Sumilao, Bukidnon celebrating their victory.

Another highlight of the discussion was that they have learned that they have to be prepared and stay strong, in fact even stronger, when they meet people who are not supportive in their cause. Indeed, they will not please everybody and they do not have to. Not all people will understand their plight and the struggle they are currently in to. But this will not hinder their cause and certainly this will not make them feel sad.

The Learning Session was concluded with reaffirmation of their commitment and determination to continue their fight until truth prevailed and justice served.

Clearly, no storm and powerful companies could falter their determination to have the DAR Central office to revoke the conversion order of the 144-hectare land in Bukidnon.

Restore the dignity of the Sumilao Farmers! Return the land to its real owners!

Call of the Sumilao Farmers:
Restore the Dignity of the Sumilao Farmers!

Notwithstanding their loss in the Supreme Court be mere technicality, the Sumilao Farmers’ commitment of regaining their ancestral land was never diminished. In fact, it even strengthened the MAPALAD Farmers towards their advocacy for genuine agrarian reform.

The Sumilao Farmers established the MAPALAD Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in order to reinforce their organization. Further, MAPALAD campaigned for the CARP coverage of the adjacent Salvador Carlos Estate which is still part of their ancestral land. Subsequently, a CLOA was issued to the MAPALAD Farmers making the owners of the land. Salvador Carlos initially opposed the distribution of his land to the farmers and a barrage of cases ensued before the courts. The MAPALAD Farmers were criminally prosecuted for Grave Coercion when they attempted to possess their own land. Several farmer leaders were imprisoned in jail.

With divine providence, Salvador Carlos eventually understood the plight of the MAPALAD Farmers and their basic desire to have a piece of land to call their own. In his last will, Salvador Carlos agreed to subject the land for coverage under CARP with the Sumilao Farmers as beneficiaries. They finally regained a portion of their ancestral land. But it was not that easy for the MAPALAD Farmers. Francisco Reyes, the administrator of Salvador Carlos, refused to heed the Volunteer Offer for Sale (VOS) submitted by Salvador Carlos to the farmers. When the MAPALAD Farmers initiated their land occupation of the property, Reyes brought several armed men to harass the farmers. But the latter persisted in successfully occupying the land. The family of Salvador Carlos even joined their thanksgiving mass where they gave the farmers rosaries and a statue of the Virgin Mary. It was a momentous event for the MAPALD Farmers and the Carlos family.

The MAPALAD Farmers immediately cultivated the cherished land. The cooperative, with 78 farmer beneficiaries, employed a communal farm development wherein each member was allocated a farm lot ranging from .450 to .900 hectares depending on their participation in the MPC’s projects. A portion thereof was allocated for a communal farm to support community development projects such as farm technology, gender sensitivity trainings, and paralegal formation activities. Despite the inadequacy of the 66-hectare land for at least 137 growing households, the MAPALAD Farmers proved that they can develop the fullest potential of the land for agricultural productivity and at the same time for the advancement of the whole community.

Not only that, the MAPALAD Farmers also encouraged the formation of another peasant group in San Vicente, Sumilao which led to the establishment of San Vicente Landless Farmers Association (SALFA) composed of 90 farmers, 90% of whom belongs to the Higaonon Tribe. Several members of SALFA are the children of the MAPALAD Farmers and the rest are the other farmers and farmworkers residing in the barangay. The MAPALAD Farmers also would want the SALFA members to carry on their struggle for genuine agrarian reform and their dream of possessing a precious land that is actually theirs in the first place.

All the SALFA members are landless. Apparently, the 66-hectare Carlos Estate distributed to the MAPALAD Farmers is not enough for more than 400 farmer-residents in Sumilao. There are many farmers who are still landless amid some cherished victories on the Carlos land. They merely depend on a Php 50.00 to Php 80.00 labor pay per day during harvest season. Outside the harvest season, they engage in broom making where they are paid Php 1.00 per broom. This meager earning could hardly provide food for their family. Not one of them had completed their schooling. The SALFA members also dreamt of one thing – a land of their own.

The Sumilao farmers left Sta. Rita Parish, Del Gallego, Camarines Sur at 5:00 AM today. They intend to brave super typhoon Mina by walking 39 kilometers to Tabugon, Quezon. Rain or shine, they are heading to Manila to pressure the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Office of the President (OP) to act on the revocation of the conversion order. At this point in the walk, no rains nor powerful landowners like Danding Cojuangco nor corporation like San Miguel Corporation could stop them. Napoleon “Yoyong” Merida Jr., one of the group’s spokesperson, call on the Department of Agrarian Reform to stop San Miguel Foods’ unlawful use of the 144 hectares of land they rightfully own in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

For the past several days, the Sumilao Farmers have to endure the hardship of walking under heavy rains. Because their raincoats are already worn-out and tattered, they did not escape from getting soaked and wet.

Such situation worsened the condition of the marchers who suffer from colds or cough. Also, walking along muddy roads made their pace slower.

Worse, news of a better weather is not to be expected sooner.

Fortunately, there was no rain yesterday when they left the Holy Spirit Parish in Ragay at around 4:00 AM, but still, they were deprived of sunshine. With the better situation, however, their walk yesterday was easier. They were back to their usual ’short talk’ while traversing the road to del Gallego, 31.4 kilometers from Ragay.

They talked just about anything. But mostly they remember their fond memories with their families in barangay San Vicente. Sometimes, they just make fun of their situation by cracking jokes – yet, beneath their smiles and laughter is their longing to see and embrace their loved ones.

When their conversation became serious, one by one, the marchers fell silent, and the walk continued without a word being said. It was only when they reached Sta. Rita de Casia Parish in del Gallego that they begin to talk again and “break the ice”, so to speak.

They arrived in del Gallego at around 12:30PM, where they were warmly welcomed by the parishioners and some locals from del Gallego.

Shortly upon their arrival, the rain fell.

While waiting for the program to start, they maximized their free time to rest and attend to their personal needs. Some managed to talk and become acquainted with their hosts. The short program started at exactly 4:00PM. Despite his busy schedule, Hon. Bayani Velez, the mayor of del Gallego, did not miss to visit the Sumilao farmers, and personally delivered his message to them.

The good mayor said that although the people in del Gallego do not personally know the Sumilao farmers, it does not hinder him and his constituents to give their support. According to Mayor Bayani, personal acquaintance with the person who is a victim of injustice is not necessary to entitle him full protection and support.

More than his words, Mayor Bayani provided the Sumilao farmers shelter for the night. It is the least, according to the mayor, that the people of del Gallego can express their solidarity to the Sumilao farmers.

Such gesture was indeed a humble contribution to uplift the morale of the marchers.

Moreover, the Sumilao farmers were treated with good music. The Parish Youth Ministry rendered songs selected for and dedicated to the marchers.

Meanwhile, while the program was on going, 2 lady volunteer medics from Medical Action Group (MAG) and Philippine Red Cross, visited the marchers, checked their blood pressures, and gave medical advice.

While they were preparing for supper, the Sumilao Farmers received a package from Pakisama. To their joy, the package turned out to be new raincoats.

Their support groups include Parish Pastoral Council, Couples for Christ, Philippine Red Cross, PREC, LGU of del Gallego, PAKISAMA and Medical Action Group.

Tomorrow and the day after that, they will continue their walk, rain or shine, until they reach Malacanang.

At 5:20 AM, the Sumilao Farmers left Tara, Sipocot and started to walk towards Ragay. From the start of their walk, the marchers immediately faced heavy rains. But, having walked for more than 5 days with the rain pouring hard on their tattered raincoats, they seemed to get used to such situation that they looked not bothered by the ardship that it entails.

After walking 15 kilometers, they stopped at the Sagrada de Familia Parish, Colakling, Camarines Sur, and ate their breakfast. They feasted and shared the simple meal prepared by the parishioners and support group.

While taking a brief rest at the Parish, Danny Buclasan took the opportunity to share to the parishioners the history of their struggle. A short but lively discussion soon followed when the parishioners started to ask questions. The farmers were happy to note that the parishioners attentively listened to the sharing.

From Coakling, the farmers resumed their walk and reached the municipality of Ragay, which is their destination for the day, at around 12:30 PM. There they sought refuge at the Ragay Parish Church.

All in all, they traversed a total of 26 kilometers.

While at the parish church, they took some rest. Others maximized the time attending their personal concerns.

It was a difficult day for them, especially so that their “resident” doctor, Dr. Grace Bag-ao (Dok G) was not around to tend to the marchers who are not feeling well. Dok G has to leave the march because of a broken leg. She was rushed to the hospital in Naga City two days ago after she involuntarily fell on her feet. An operation was strongly advised by the doctor.

Fortunately, Dok G was able to train some marchers to become paramedics. Through them, the task of individually attending to the health of the marchers became easier.

Hence, in the absence of Dok G, the paramedic team somehow managed to assist those who need medical attention.

When the sun set, and before they partook their dinner, the Sumilao Farmers joined the parishioners who offered to pray the rosary for the blessing and guidance of the farmers. It was a solemn moment. Everyone knelt and asked for guidance as they renew their commitment to continue their struggle - until they reach Malacanang.

By nightfall, most of the farmers have fallen asleep early, but the members of the Team Leaders Pool still convened and planned for their next day’s journey. They also agreed on the messages they need to emphasize during media interviews or on occasions where they will be invited to speak before the public.

Today, they are negotiating the roads from Ragay to del Gallego. Tomorrow, they will continue walking until they reach Tabugon.

Yesterday, 19 November 2007, while the Sumilao Farmers were traversing the whole stretch of Balogo, Sapacao to Tara, Sipocot, they encountered challenges and situations that needed their full attention. One of the marchers, Toto Hapayon, and one from the support groups, Dr. Grace Bag-ao, were rushed in the hospital in Naga City.

The marchers observed that Toto Hapayon is alarmingly losing weight, while Dr. Bag- ao, fondly called by the marchers as Dok G, suffered a broken shin. She was advised to undergo an operation.

Like the previous day, the typhoon affected the pace of the marchers. They negotiated the muddy roads from barangay Sapacao to Sipocot, and at certain times, they had to pass flooded streets.

When they reached the day’s destination, FUERZA and Social Action Center (SAC) organized a short program intended to educate the locals in the municipality. To better appreciate their struggle, they showed to the public some video documentaries featuring the Walk for Sumilao Land, Walk for Justice Campaign/pilgrimage. Ka Rene Peñas, together with some other Sumilao Farmer leaders, narrated the history of their struggle and why they chose to walk from Bukidnon to Manila.

The program was attended by private and other LGU personnel. An inspirational message was solicited from the support groups.

Meanwhile, Sumilao Farmers’ support groups in Manila staged a mobilization in front of the National Office of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City Circle. This was participated by various NGOs and POs supporting the cause of the Sumilao Farmers in reclaiming the 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

They used slippers to symbolize the sufferings of the Sumilao Farmers from Bukidnon to Manila walking on foot. The DAR Secretary, however, did not show up – a clear manifestation of the proof that the top government official who does not care so much about the plight of the Sumilao farmers, and to the rest of the farmers across the country.

Before starting their walk yesterday, the farmers heard a Eucharistic celebration at 5:00 in the morning. It was the first time that they heard a mass before starting their journey. Usually, they hear masses upon their arrival at the place where they shall stay for the night.

It was perhaps a good start for their day’s walk because they were able to endure the harsh weather. Thus, despite the outpouring of heavy rain and strong winds, they arrived safely at Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur, their next stop, with high spirits.

Aside from the bad weather, the place was not very safe, because of the alleged presence of members of the New Peoples Army. Even the members of the Philippine National Police were hesitant to accompany the farmers at the time they entered Sta. Rosa. But, the local priest personally ensured that the farmers shall safely arrive in Balogo.

They arrived at Balogo around lunch time. After eating their lunch, they took a short rest, before starting with their scheduled activity for the afternoon.

First, they had a general assembly where they discussed how they could continue their walk despite the unfriendly weather. For instance, they talked about how many kilometers they should walk if the heavy rains will continue.

It was also discussed in the general assembly who among the marchers shall compose the ‘pool of speakers’ for the week. This is part of the commitment to enhance their skills in articulating their struggle to the public. And in order to deepen their knowledge on the intricacies involved in their struggle, and to share their individual and collective insights of their journey, they regularly conduct learning sessions.

Later in the afternoon, Mr. Ben Longid, Roland Quilanan, Boyet Ambayec, who introduced themselves as representatives of Senator Gringo Honasan, visited the farmers and gave the senator’s donation.

Before retiring to sleep, there was a meeting of the team leaders, where they assessed the disposition and feeling of each and every marcher. It came out that all of them are still very much willing to continue, despite physical stress, and emotional pain for missing their family.

Partial Luzon Leg

Camarines Norte

20 November - Sipocot to Ragay - 31 kilometers
21 November - Ragay to del Gallego - 30 kilometers
22 November - del Gallego to Tabogon - 20 kilometers

Quezon Province

23 November - Tabogon to Lopez - 32 kilometers
24 November - Lopez to Gumaca - 20 kilometers
25 November - Gumaca to Atimonan - 33 kilometers
26 November - Atimonan to Lucena - 30 kilometers
27 November - Lucena to Tiaong - 37 kilometers

Laguna

28 November - Tiaong to San Pablo - 15 kilometers
29 November - San Pablo to Los Baños - 21 kilometers

Pride like any other virtues is inborn to all of us. Like love it is everywhere. Like kindness it can be cultivated. Like passion it can be motivated. Like dignity and integrity it can be claimed and be protected.

Pride is not about being selfish nor arrogant of what is possessed.
It is neither obsessive nor greedy of what is laid.
Instead, pride is an awareness of what we have, a sufficient reason to celebrate.

Pride has many colors, variations and expressions. Like a butterfly, it undergoes a process. It has no limits and boundaries for developments. Most importantly, pride is not for sale because it is about valuing one’s concept of dignified self.

JOIN THE 2007 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MARCH
December 8, 2007
Assembly: 3:00 PM, Rajah Sulayman Park, Malate Manila

The Sumilao March mirrors the general picture of our society today. Poor people continue to suffer. Influential people, fearful of the loss of their pelf and influence, idly sit back and watch where the wind will blow before they cast their lots. Meanwhile, the decision makers wait for these influential people to make their move so they can fittingly respond. This is how I look at the Sumilao problem. This is how problems of inequities come to be. - Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo on Sumilao Walk

This morning my wife, Leni and I, together with hundreds of other symphatizers joined the Sumilao Marchers from the Naga City boundary to Plaza Quince Martires. The segment covered around 6 kilometers — a very short distance compared to the 1100 kilometers or so covered by the group, which started from Sumilao, Bukidnon. (It did not seem short to me. I was too tired to stay on for the rest of the short program.)

Looking back, I must say that the Naga City segment of the march was probably short in distance but long on the lessons and insights that we took away from the experience. I was pleasantly surprised with how the people of the city responded. There is really something different in the Nagueno! He can be counted upon to make a stand and choose what is just and what is right. He will walk the extra mile, literally and figuratively, if called upon.

The marchers included old women, young men and simple folks who are victims of the inequities in our society.

While many of us would have given up the fight if we were in the same situation, they have hang on to that slim hope that their grievances would be addressed if they try “hard enough”.

We hope and pray that their pleas will be heeded. But even if they won’t be, I believe they still have succeeded. Many times in the past, we have closed our eyes on the injustices and inequities in our midst.

The marchers have reminded us, that the least we could do is to stand up and be counted.

Oftentimes, we hesitate because we are afraid to displease people who we might need to count on, at a future time. (This is especially true with politicians!).

But if only we can right the wrong now, probably we might not have the need for them in the future as they no longer have the influence over us.

The Sumilao March mirrors the general picture of our society today. Poor people continue to suffer. Influential people, fearful of the loss of their pelf and influence, idly sit back and watch where the wind will blow before they cast their lots. Meanwhile, the decision makers wait for these influential people to make their move so they can fittingly respond. This is how I look at the Sumilao problem. This is how problems of inequities come to be.

The Sumilao march is scheduled to end in Malacanang before the second week of December, after covering 1500+ kilometers.

I do not know what awaits them. But I am certain of one thing. They have restored my faith in the Filipino human spirit. They may not be as many as I would have wished them to be.

But they have sown the seeds — if not in the many places they have marched through, at least they have done so in Naga City.

* Posted at Oddball, the weblog of Naga City Mayor and 2000 Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service Jesse Robredo and posted also at Planet NAGA.

At the end of the day, the farmers rested with a smile on their faces and likewise hope that these supports will soon be translated to a tangible government action distributing the disputed 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukdinon to them.

The Sumilao Farmers traversed a total of 20 kilometers from the Municipality of Bula to Naga City. Again the farmers continued walking despite heavy rains. They were all soaked and wet because their rain coats were already tattered. This hardship did not affect the marchers’ determination to reach the day’s destination.

Donations from community folks are still prevalent. The marchers received supports in money and in kind. Such overwhelming supports were highly appreciated. It certainly lifted the hearts of the farmers.

The Sumilao Farmers were joined by different like-minded groups in the day’s walk. They were Lakas ng Kababaihan, Naga City Peoples’ Council LGU, SALIGAN, Coalition for Bicol Development, Coca-Cola Workers’ Union-Bicol Region, Casureco Fraternity and Kumon.

The highlight of the day was when the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Naga City Unanimously approved Resolution No. 2007-347, Declaring Solidarity and Support to the Quest of Lumad Farmers of Sumilao, Bukidnon to Recover Their Land.

The message of the Resolution was that the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Naga City shares the same sentiments with the Sumilao Farmers and that there should be recognition of their rights over their ancestral land. It was the LGU’s reaffirmation of their support to the Sumilao Farmers’ struggle to recover the land that is legally and rightfully theirs.

At the end of the day, the farmers rested with a smile on their faces and likewise hope that these supports will soon be translated to a tangible government action distributing the disputed 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukdinon to them.

The following day, the Sumilao Farmers started walking at around 4:35AM negotiating the stretch of Naga City to Sta. Rosa, Pasacao with 30 kilometers.

They had a stop over in the Municipality of San Fernando, Camarines Sur to have a breakfast with the Municipal Mayor Fermin Mabolo. They were welcomed by the good mayor with a simple meal that was prepared as a manifestation of his support to the marchers.

They arrived in St. Rose Ublima, Brgy. Sta. Rosa del Norte, Camarines Sur at around 2:00PM. They were welcomed by the locals with a warm welcome party. The Sumilao Farmers got acquainted with the people who visited them. They got to know Ragay and Limbanan Farmers, Bicol Christian Life Community, LGu of San Fernando, DAR Province, Guardians Republicans, SALIGAN and Caseres Social Action Foundation Inc.

A small program was likewise conducted where it was actively participated by the LGUs of San Fernando. To educate the public, Rene Peñas delivered a short message stressing the history of the Sumilao Farmers’ struggle. Rev. Fr. Mike dela Rosa gave an inspiration message. He delved on the struggle of the Sumilao Farmers that as long as they are holding the truth, justice will be served in their favor.

The short program was concluded with a reflection from the farmers that what they are asking is the 144-hectare land that is legally theirs.

From the start of the day’s walk, the marchers endured the heavy rains. Their raincoats seemed of no use because those raincoats were already tattered. They were all soaked and wet, but it did not affect their endurance and courage to reach Malacanang and their ultimate goal in this struggle – the 144-hectare landholding in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

Though with only a limited night rest, the Sumilao Farmers together with their support groups woke up at around 3:00AM and started to get ready for another walk. They left Ligao City at 4:05AM right after their morning exercise and a cup of coffee. As practiced, they likewise offered a prayer and asked for further guidance from the Lord for their whole day walk.

They stopped for a while in Brgy. Balangibang, Polangui, Albay for their breakfast. They feasted with mongos and tinapa. Then after a few minutes of rest, they hurriedly continued walking.

From the start of the day’s walk, the marchers endured the heavy rains. Their raincoats seemed of no use because those raincoats were already tattered. They were all soaked and wet, but it did not affect their endurance and courage to reach Malacanang and their ultimate goal in this struggle – the 144-hectare landholding in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

One of the marchers, Ka Oting, suffered from mild cramps. Because of the situation, the group decided to rest for a while.

Because of heavy rains, the advance party asked the LGU of Nubao if they could provide a space for the marchers as they intend to have early lunch. Without any second thought, said LGU agreed. When the marchers reached the Nubao, they were warmly welcomed by the locals. The marchers felt moved with the hospitality and friendly gestures from the people in Nubao. Some even got acquainted with the marchers.

At Portico, Camarines Sur, a group of farmers from Pecuaria Development Coop., Inc. (PDCI) met, joined and accompanied the marchers going to Lanipga, Bula, Camarines Sur.

Like the Sumilao Farmers, PDCI is a farmer organization with 426 members who were once farmer beneficiaries of 817-hectare landholding in Lanipga, Bula, Camarines Sur. Their Certificate of Land Ownership Awards were distributed way back on 1993 and each beneficiary is now personally tilling and developing their respective 1.7 hectares. Although they were successful, some of their members (37 farmer beneficiaries) encounter problems because some of the lands are already in the hands of a private person.

The members of PDCI expressed solidarity with the Sumilao Farmers that they too will someday also own and possess the 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukidnon.

They finally arrived in the venue after walking for approximately 42 kilometers. PDCI prepared a short program where representatives from PAKISAMA, PDCI, DAR and DA gave their touching messages of solidarity. In response and on behalf of the Sumilao Farmers, Ka Rene Peñas, delivered a speech delving on the history of their struggle and concluding his discourse with gratefulness for the support extended.

Revisiting the Sumilao Case:

The farmers were previously granted the ownership of the 144-hectare land by virtue of the Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) issued in their names

We should not lose sight of the fact that the petitioners are the former holders of a Certificate of Land Ownership Award No. TCT/CLOA No. 00240227 issued to 137 MAPALAD farmer-beneficiaries in 1995, long before the proceedings before the Supreme Court in the Fortich case. The TCT/CLOA was even registered before the Register of Deeds in the same year.

In fact, by virtue of the “Win-Win Resolution” issued by the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Corona, the farmers were again identified as the qualified farmer-beneficiaries for the 100-hectare portion of the subject land. Applications to Purchase and Farmers’ Undertaking (APFUs) were duly executed by the farmers recognizing their existing right to ownership of the land.

The mere fact that the farmers were identified twice as beneficiaries under a valid and existing law, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (RA 6657) undoubtedly confirms their right to the subject property. Their TCT?CLOA was cancelled precisely as a result of the issuance of the conversion order, which this present petition seeks to cancel. It does not take any legal reasoning to conclude that these petitioners stand to benefit from the resolution of this petition. They have every right to be the beneficiaries of the subject land’s CARP coverage under Section 22 of RA 6657.

Based on the foregoing, it is the petitioners who now have the highest interest to petition for the cancellation of the approved conversion order for non-compliance and violations thereof, especially that it is they who have been previously stripped off of their ownership of the 144-hectare land. Herein petitioners were the ones who were most injured by the Supreme Court Decision in Fortich as they were removed from the land already granted to them by the government. Petitioners have undoubtedly have a legal standing to the instant petition as the success thereof necessarily means the CARP coverage of the subject properties and the consequent distribution thereof in their names.

U.P. made you in such a way that when the world is sitting, you would be standing.
And when the world is standing, you would stand out.
And when the world stands out, you would be outstanding.
And when the world tries to be outstanding, you would be the standard.
(IN SHORT, naging pasaway ka…)Isang masaya at may yabang na sentenaryo sa iyo, taga UP!

I find it interesting that Nicanor Abelardo’s version of UP Naming Mahal will be replaced by Gary Granada’s musicale version in time for the centennial celebration. I don’t know if it is true but I was like asking whether the rumor is true that this UP Naming Mahal version will be introduced to the academic community next year as I read Gimekera and Kikoman blogged about it.

I heard of Gary Granada’s version ten (10) years .ago when the Lean Alejandro Foundation produced the musicale in 1997 and has been waiting for its re-staging ever since. But choosing between the two version, I still prefer the Abelardo version even if its only the Madrigal Singers who can belt it out but for mass appeal, we can try the Gary Granada version.

At 4:30 am yesterday , the Sumilao farmers started to walk the distance of 22 kilometers from Daraga, Albay to Ligao City. It was a difficult day for them because it rained during their entire walk. Nevertheless, they managed to arrive in Ligao city at around 11:00 am.

They rested and ate their lunch at St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, an ancient church built in 1818.

After taking their lunch, they attended to their personal needs. Some decided to sleep, others washed their clothes, massaged their feet, while others talked with the local parishioners

At 5:00 in the afternoon, they heard a regular mass officiated by Fr. Bob Banares and Fr. Ton Pet Ballares. They talked to the farmers after the mass, and generously gave the amount received from the offering to the farmers.

By nighttime, some officers of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and employees of Ligao city, headed by its administrative officer, visited the farmers. BINHI-PAKISAMA, a people’s organization in the city, prepared the dinner for the farmers. UNORKA, another peasant group in the city also visited the farmers and gave their support.

Before sleeping, the farmers had a short gathering to discuss the plan for the walk the following day.

Probably due to physical exhaustion, many of the farmers did not sleep well. Some were heard talking on their sleep, while few others sobbed.

To date, the farmers have already covered 920 kilometers, which is more than half the distance of their total journey from barangay San Vicente, Sumilao in Bukidnon to Manila.

Yesterday also marks their 36th day of walk.

On their 36 days of walking, three of the marchers celebrated their wedding anniversaries on the road. Last October 11, the second day of their walk, Roberto Rosente celebrated his 8th wedding anniversary. On November 8, while they were in Samar, Rene Penas also celebrated his 27th year wedding anniversary. And yesterday (Nov. 14) marked the 10th wedding anniversary of Roger Anlicao.

Their families in Sumilao, Bukidnon just lighted a candle to remember such important occasion in their life.

Thank you Arbet of the AWBHoldings and the Lonely Vampire Chronicle for taking your time out yesterday for blogging about the Injustices at Sumilao and extend our thanks and gratitude to your mom.

Please allow me to rant about something.

Yesterday, I managed to view the last part of The Correspondents’ report on Sumilao farmer’s undeniably futile march to the Fortress by the Pasig. Ruben Torres, Fidel Ramos’ executive secretary, was interviewed, and said the most callused statement next to that government official’s reaction to that 11-year old girl’s suicide. Here is a reaction to Torres’ stupid remark (the reaction was kind enough to quote Torres).

Damn him.

These farmers would not be marching to their deaths if not for Torres’ (and in extension, his amo, Tabako) decision to allow the conversion of 144 hectares of agricultural land (which were awarded to several Sumilao farmers by the Department of Agrarian Reform in 1995) into industrial use (at the behest of one Norberto Quisumbing - what’s with people named Norberto). Ten years later, the land is unused and is sold to San Miguel Corporation.

Clearly, a great social injustice has been committed by the Ramos administration, and Torres in particular. Until now, that injustice continues, and I hope that when these farmers get to the Fortress (if they make it past Mendiola, then I will be greatly pleased), they will get the land that is rightly theirs to begin with, if not due to Ramos’ incompetence.

—

The fact that Sumilao is in Bukidnon, Miguel “Daya Na” Zubiri’s home province, is just an icing in the cake. I relish the time when Zubiri gets a mudcake in the face from the Sumilao farmers for not helping them. Heh. Anyway, the Zubiris are landed lots in Bukidnon, so their inaction is expected.

—

My mom saw that episode, and she took pity with the farmers and their families. I told her that injustice will continue as long as the prevailing social order remains; as long as those who are in power look for their own welfare; as long as those who have the power to effect change remains apathetic and much concerned with their own selves and whims. The last one includes all of us.

—

Gari Lazaro is posting daily updates on the Sumilao farmers’ march. Go read his blog.

- - - - -

At around 10 am, the farmers arrived in Daraga, where they were warmly welcomed by PAKISAMA-Daraga, Mayor Ching Triumpante and Vice Mayor Len Magayanes and other officers and employees of the city government, the Daraga Parishes, and the seminarians of the Diocese of Legazpi and Masbate and Virac-Mater Salutis College Seminary.

They arrived in said city after walking 20 kilometers from the municipality of Pilar. The Cope Foundation helped and guided the farmers in their walk. Upon their arrival, they rested at the Ninoy Aquino gym in Daraga city.

A mass was celebrated to uplift the spiritual spirits of the marchers. Four priests facilitated said mass, namely: Rev. Father Ramoncito Segubiense, Rev. Msgr. Noe ‘Weng’ Thomas, Rev. Fr. Marlon Bron and Rev. Joseph Salando.

After the mass, they held a program initiated by the local government of Daraga City, where it was actively attended by no less than Mayor Ching Triumpante and Vice-Mayor Len Magayanes.

The program helped to uplift the morale of the Sumilao farmers. The Vice-Mayor stressed that she will always support the struggle of the Sumilao Farmers. They learned that the vice mayor was once a fellow paralegal of PESANTEch (a coalition of law groups composed of SALIGAN, KAISAHAN, and BALAOD-Mindanaw). She was also among the individuals who visited them during their hunger strike 10 years ago.

The culmination of the program was the messages of solidarity from various groups who attended the program – PAKISAMA-Bicol (Binhi-Albay, MAGSAKA-Cam. Sur., FMPC-Iriga City, FUERSA-Pasacao), SAC Legazpi, AMIGA-Daraga, Alcala Farmers’ Association, DAR Province, DA, DSWD, LGU-Daraga, DOH, PNP, Matis Salutis College Seminary, Daraga Community College, Cope Foundation and Marriage Encounter Group-Choir.

The Walk for Sumilao Land, Walk for Justice Campaign carries various issues on the state and implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It is initiated by the Sumilao Farmers primarily to reclaim the 144-hectare landholding in their hometown. Although they have particular calls such as revocation of the conversion order, they are also calling for the extension and reformation of the CARP, and recognition for a need of a Land Use Law, which, would redound to the benefit of the whole peasantry across the country.

11 November 2007 is the Sumilao Farmers’ 2nd day of walk in the island of Luzon. They first set foot on this island on 9 November in the Municipality of Matnog. Yesterday they traversed the whole stretch from the Municipality of Irosin to Sorsogon City, covering 37 kilometers.

The marchers saw some vast of farms along the way. They saw their fellow farmers tilling and developing their respective lands. Some of these local farmers approached and chatted up the marchers. The local farmers learned that though the issue on repression and infringement of the small farmers’ rights are prevalent, somehow, they find that in a way, they are still in a better position and condition compared to the others.

The Sumilao Farmers left the local farmers with an assurance that they will finish and continue to advocate the extension and reformation of CARP.

On their way to Sorsogon City, another group of farmers was staging a rally against the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). These farmers tried to join the ranks of the Sumilao Farmers, but eventually decided to let the Sumilao Farmers have their own campaign and demonstration.

The following farmer organizations joined the Sumilao farmers toward Sorsogon city: PANGOPOD, BAP, LPKI-SCUPFI, CBTG and Coastal Core. These organizations have been waiting for the arrival of the Sumilao Farmers inLuzon for quite some time; They wanted to show their support and solidarity with the marchers.

The rest of the walk went smooth; by-standers and motorists kept on shouting chants and messages of solidarity with the Sumilao Farmers.

For some reason or another, the pace of the marchers was faster compared to the previous days. They arrived in Sorsogon City earlier than expected. They proceeded to Fatima Parish Church of Sorsogon City where Bishop Arturo M. Bastes welcomed them.

Two of The Sumilao Farmers, Yoyong and Toto, maximized the presence of some members of the local media. In an interview with Radyo Natin, they explained the history and reason why they decided to walk from Bukidnon to Manila.

They stayed in the Diocese Pastoral Center of Sorsogon City where the city’s Social Action Center (SAC) attended to their personal needs.

Revisiting the Sumilao Case:

Cancellation and/or Revocation of the Conversion Order Issued to Quisumbing is Proper

Despite the lapse of more than five (5) years from the time the conversion order became final and executory (25 August 1999), NQSRMDC and its successor-in-interest, SMFI, failed to initiate or undertake any single development work in the area, in violation of the conditions of the conversion order pursuant to the rules governing conversion.

Be it noted that when NQSRMDC applied for conversion of the land from agricultural to agro-industrial, it included the following project proposals in its development plan otherwise known as the Bukidnon Agro-Industrial Development Association (BAIDA):

Development Academy of Mindanao which constitutes the following: Institute for Continuing Higher Education; Institute for Livelihood Science (Vocational and Technical School); Institute for Agribusiness Research; Museum, Library and Cultural Center which covers an area of 24 hectares;

Bukidnon Agro-Industrial Park which consist of corn processing for corn oil, corn starch, various corn products; rice processing for wine, rice-based snacks, exportable rice; cassava processing for starch, alcohol and food delicacies; processed and prepared food market; cold storage and ice plant; cannery system; commercial stores; public market, and abbatoir needing about 67 hectares;

Forest Development includes open spaces and parks for recreation, horseback riding, memorial and animals (mini zoo) estimated to cover 33 hectares;
Support Facilities include the construction of a hotel (360 rooms), Restaurants, Dormitories and Housing Project covering an area of 20 hectares;

Mindanao Sports Development Center that includes facilities that shall qualify for international competitions such as: track and filed oval, baseball and softball, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, equestrian court, games of chance – billiard, bowling, etc.; and Commercial Mall

A careful perusal of the facts would show that applicant NQSRMDC failed to comp