The Village Tickler

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