Posts
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Farmers ‘bury’ anti-CARP solons for continued failure to deliberate CARP reforms bill
Press Release
April 17, 2009
Farmers ‘bury’ anti-CARP solons for continued failure to deliberate CARP reforms bill
Dramatic nationwide actions resumed to push for passage of HB 4077 before June 6 recess
Outraged farmers under the Reform CARP Movement (RCM) symbolically ‘bury’ enlarged pictures of Lower House lawmakers with dirt for Congress’s failure anew to prioritize the discussion of HB 4077 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) extension with reforms bill when it resumed this week.
Among the ‘interred’ solons were Representatives Iggy Arroyo, Mikey and Datu Arroyo, Villafuerte, Pablo Garcia, Alfredo Marañon, Crispin Remulla, Jeffrey Ferrer, Jose Lacson, Mark Cojuangco, Ebbie Apostol, Eufrocino Codilla, Sr., Jack Duavit, Pryde Teves, and Bernard Piñol. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman was also not spared from the mock burial.
“Inililibing ang mga Kongresistang ito dahil sa kanilang hayagan at patuloy na pagtutol sa pagpasa ng isang kritikal na batas para sa mga mahihirap na magsasaka. Isinasama si Secretary Pangandaman dahil sa kanyang pawang kawalan ng puwersa para ipagtanggol ang CARP sa Kongreso,” disclosed RCM member and PARAGOS Pilipinas President Jimmy Tadeo.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles was tactically spared a full burial because the farmers said they are still giving him a chance to make good his promise to pass the CARP reforms law before the extension of the program expired again by June 30.
“Pinangako ni Speaker Nograles mula pa noong Pebrero na ipapatawag niya ang isang Ad Hoc Committee o TWG (Technical Working Group) para suriin ang mga panukalang reporma sa HB 4077. Pero hanggang ngayon ‘Talagang Walang Ginagawa’ (TWG) lang ang TWG na alam namin nagmula kay Nograles. Nanawagan kami kay Speaker na plenary na lang ang ipatawag para pagusapan na ng buong Kongreso ang bitin na bitin nang pagpasa ng CARP Extension with reforms bill,” said Elvie Baladad of Samahang 54 Ektarya.
“Nasusuya na kami sa mga sirang pangako ng Kongreso na paguusapan agad ang pagpasa ng HB 4077. Mauulit na naman ba ang nangyari noong Hunyo 2008 na sa huling linggo lang bago nag-expire ang CARP nang nagsimula silang magusap? Wala na ba talagang halaga ang kapalaran ng magsasaka sa mga mambabatas natin?” lamented farmer Zaldy Castrojeres of Calatagan, Batangas.
With 50 days to go before the next Congressional recess, the farmers and agrarian reform advocates under RCM are gearing up for more actions nationwide to dramatize and drum up their urgent call to Congress for the immediate passage of the beleaguered HB 4077. More than 500 farmers from Batangas, Bataan, Rizal, Camarines Sur, Bukidnon are set to march on April 20 from the DAR Central office to the Lower House to issue the call, “PASS CARPer NOW!”.
The Reform CARP Movement (RCM), a coalition of peasant organizations, non-government organizations, party-list organizations and individual advocates started pushing for the extension with reforms of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) last year.#
April 17, 2009
Farmers ‘bury’ anti-CARP solons for continued failure to deliberate CARP reforms bill
Dramatic nationwide actions resumed to push for passage of HB 4077 before June 6 recess
Outraged farmers under the Reform CARP Movement (RCM) symbolically ‘bury’ enlarged pictures of Lower House lawmakers with dirt for Congress’s failure anew to prioritize the discussion of HB 4077 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) extension with reforms bill when it resumed this week.
Among the ‘interred’ solons were Representatives Iggy Arroyo, Mikey and Datu Arroyo, Villafuerte, Pablo Garcia, Alfredo Marañon, Crispin Remulla, Jeffrey Ferrer, Jose Lacson, Mark Cojuangco, Ebbie Apostol, Eufrocino Codilla, Sr., Jack Duavit, Pryde Teves, and Bernard Piñol. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman was also not spared from the mock burial.
“Inililibing ang mga Kongresistang ito dahil sa kanilang hayagan at patuloy na pagtutol sa pagpasa ng isang kritikal na batas para sa mga mahihirap na magsasaka. Isinasama si Secretary Pangandaman dahil sa kanyang pawang kawalan ng puwersa para ipagtanggol ang CARP sa Kongreso,” disclosed RCM member and PARAGOS Pilipinas President Jimmy Tadeo.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles was tactically spared a full burial because the farmers said they are still giving him a chance to make good his promise to pass the CARP reforms law before the extension of the program expired again by June 30.
“Pinangako ni Speaker Nograles mula pa noong Pebrero na ipapatawag niya ang isang Ad Hoc Committee o TWG (Technical Working Group) para suriin ang mga panukalang reporma sa HB 4077. Pero hanggang ngayon ‘Talagang Walang Ginagawa’ (TWG) lang ang TWG na alam namin nagmula kay Nograles. Nanawagan kami kay Speaker na plenary na lang ang ipatawag para pagusapan na ng buong Kongreso ang bitin na bitin nang pagpasa ng CARP Extension with reforms bill,” said Elvie Baladad of Samahang 54 Ektarya.
“Nasusuya na kami sa mga sirang pangako ng Kongreso na paguusapan agad ang pagpasa ng HB 4077. Mauulit na naman ba ang nangyari noong Hunyo 2008 na sa huling linggo lang bago nag-expire ang CARP nang nagsimula silang magusap? Wala na ba talagang halaga ang kapalaran ng magsasaka sa mga mambabatas natin?” lamented farmer Zaldy Castrojeres of Calatagan, Batangas.
With 50 days to go before the next Congressional recess, the farmers and agrarian reform advocates under RCM are gearing up for more actions nationwide to dramatize and drum up their urgent call to Congress for the immediate passage of the beleaguered HB 4077. More than 500 farmers from Batangas, Bataan, Rizal, Camarines Sur, Bukidnon are set to march on April 20 from the DAR Central office to the Lower House to issue the call, “PASS CARPer NOW!”.
The Reform CARP Movement (RCM), a coalition of peasant organizations, non-government organizations, party-list organizations and individual advocates started pushing for the extension with reforms of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) last year.#
Friday, March 6, 2009
Militants, farmers press passage of Agrarian Reform bill
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
March 3 CARPER Mass and Procession to Mendiola
HUNGER FOR LAND, HUNGER FOR JUSTICE
invites everybody to join
The Concelebrated Mass for CARPER
Malate Church, Tuesday, 3 March 2009, 2:30-4:00 pm
Main Celebrant:
His Excellency Jose S. Palma, DD
Archbishop of Palo, Leyte
4:00-6:00 pm
Procession, Prayers, and Rosary
from Malate Church To Mendiola
Program and Candlelit Vigil of Farmers to Follow
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
(cf. Exodus 3, 7-9)
OUR POOR FARMERS ARE IN MANILA! THEY HUNGER FOR LAND AND JUSTICE!
1. Congress passed Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2009, extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for six months without compulsory acquisition. Worse, the Department of Agrarian Reform issued Memorandum No. 09-01804 halting processing of pending land acquisition folders already in the pipeline;
2. The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved Resolution No. 737 which would amend the Constitution to allow foreign ownership of land. Our farmers are deprived of the right to own farmland so that landowners can sell land to foreigners? This is treasonous. Not only does it mock the social justice spirit of the 1987 Constitution, it also would endanger food and environmental security and strip farmers of their right to development.
3. From 2001 to 2008, 48 farmers have been killed and 19,800 others have become victims of various agrarian-related human rights violations perpetrated by agents of the state, landowners, their goons, and other armed groups.
OUR FARMERS CALL ON PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO AND OUR LEGISLATORS TO:
1. Ensure the immediate passage of House Bill No. 4077 and Senate Bill No. 2666, which both extend CARP with several reforms. This would effectively set aside Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2009, and DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804.
2. Render justice and provide protection to all victims of agrarian-related human rights violations.
Ref: PEACE - 434 3003
Hunger for Land, Hunger for Justice Campaigners
Task Force Mapalad, Negros Federation of Farmers Associations(NOFFA)-UNORKA, Bishops Businessmen Conference (BBC) Cluster on Labor and Employment, PEACE Foundation, Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc., KAISAHAN tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan, BALAOD-Mindanao, CAPP-SIAD, SALIGAN, ALG, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, ACCORD; PARRDS, JPICC-AMRSP, Augustinian Missionaries of the Philippines, Education for Life Foundation, Federation of Free Farmers, COPE, Task Force Anti-Eviction, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, IDEALS, PAKISAMA, FGS, FTA, PRRM, PKSK, CSI, RCM, Akbayan!, ARC, Asian Social Institute, MFDC, PKKK; PARFUND; PAHRA; Kababaihan-Pilipinas, DAREA, Urban Poor Alliance, Partido ng Manggagawa, Daughters of Charity, AR Now!, ANGOC, Radio Veritas, Catholic Mass Media Network, APL, Sumilao Farmers, TAIDI Farmers, Calatagan Farmers, Banasi Farmers, Valderama Farmers, Duque Farmers, Dr. Mina Ramirez, Former DA Sec. Leonardo Montemayor, Former COMELEC Chairman. Christian Monsod, Dr. Rene Ofreneo, and many other Church and CARPER personalities
invites everybody to join
The Concelebrated Mass for CARPER
Malate Church, Tuesday, 3 March 2009, 2:30-4:00 pm
Main Celebrant:
His Excellency Jose S. Palma, DD
Archbishop of Palo, Leyte
4:00-6:00 pm
Procession, Prayers, and Rosary
from Malate Church To Mendiola
Program and Candlelit Vigil of Farmers to Follow
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
(cf. Exodus 3, 7-9)
OUR POOR FARMERS ARE IN MANILA! THEY HUNGER FOR LAND AND JUSTICE!
1. Congress passed Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2009, extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for six months without compulsory acquisition. Worse, the Department of Agrarian Reform issued Memorandum No. 09-01804 halting processing of pending land acquisition folders already in the pipeline;
2. The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved Resolution No. 737 which would amend the Constitution to allow foreign ownership of land. Our farmers are deprived of the right to own farmland so that landowners can sell land to foreigners? This is treasonous. Not only does it mock the social justice spirit of the 1987 Constitution, it also would endanger food and environmental security and strip farmers of their right to development.
3. From 2001 to 2008, 48 farmers have been killed and 19,800 others have become victims of various agrarian-related human rights violations perpetrated by agents of the state, landowners, their goons, and other armed groups.
OUR FARMERS CALL ON PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO AND OUR LEGISLATORS TO:
1. Ensure the immediate passage of House Bill No. 4077 and Senate Bill No. 2666, which both extend CARP with several reforms. This would effectively set aside Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2009, and DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804.
2. Render justice and provide protection to all victims of agrarian-related human rights violations.
Ref: PEACE - 434 3003
Hunger for Land, Hunger for Justice Campaigners
Task Force Mapalad, Negros Federation of Farmers Associations(NOFFA)-UNORKA, Bishops Businessmen Conference (BBC) Cluster on Labor and Employment, PEACE Foundation, Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc., KAISAHAN tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan, BALAOD-Mindanao, CAPP-SIAD, SALIGAN, ALG, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, ACCORD; PARRDS, JPICC-AMRSP, Augustinian Missionaries of the Philippines, Education for Life Foundation, Federation of Free Farmers, COPE, Task Force Anti-Eviction, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, IDEALS, PAKISAMA, FGS, FTA, PRRM, PKSK, CSI, RCM, Akbayan!, ARC, Asian Social Institute, MFDC, PKKK; PARFUND; PAHRA; Kababaihan-Pilipinas, DAREA, Urban Poor Alliance, Partido ng Manggagawa, Daughters of Charity, AR Now!, ANGOC, Radio Veritas, Catholic Mass Media Network, APL, Sumilao Farmers, TAIDI Farmers, Calatagan Farmers, Banasi Farmers, Valderama Farmers, Duque Farmers, Dr. Mina Ramirez, Former DA Sec. Leonardo Montemayor, Former COMELEC Chairman. Christian Monsod, Dr. Rene Ofreneo, and many other Church and CARPER personalities
Thursday, February 26, 2009
AREX UPDATE (February 25)
February 25 was one of the full-packed days for farmers since Day 1 in Manila, the fact that they undertook three activities straight.
Past 10 in the morning, around 250 farmers went to Pasig River below Nagtahan Bridge to commemorate EDSA Anniversary. They floated a three-by-two-foot boat made of styrofoam, on which was written in red: "Pangako ng EDSA, Nasan Na? Lupa sa mga Magsasaka!". Along with the improvised boat were small paper boats that each farmer floated on the river.
However, the floating lasted only briefly when marine forces came to crash the improvised boat.
The event was supposed to be participated in also by farmers coming Bicol and Central Luzon, who were blocked by the police in Lacson St., Manila. Negros farmers came to fetch them. After an hour of program in the street, all farmers marched back to Caritas Manila to take their lunch together.
At 2pm, the farmers marched to Malate Church to hear mass to observe the Ash Wednesday. The mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Fr. Archie Casey, SX, and Fr. John Leydon, Malate Parish Priest, and assisted by Sisters of the AMP.
In addition to solemn and progressive songs, Abp. Ledesma's homily and letter read by TFM President Rodito Angeles characterized the mass. The Abp. said two main messages: a) That ash signifies land, in which farmers live and on which they rely for a living; and b) That Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, of 40 days, which means a very long period of hardship and sacrifice that Jesus Christ before He died. "40 days relate to farmers' long period of difficult life and struggle for land," the Abp. said. At the end of his homily, the Abp. assured the farmers that the Church and poor's solidarity gains the blessing of God so that at the end of the day, justice will prevail.
Ka Rodito read the "Panaghoy ng mga Magsasaka" (Cry of the Farmers), representing all farmers having marched in Manila. In the letter, he appealed to non-farmer folks inside the church to understand the small farmers' situation and undertake actions in support of their cause.
At the tail-end of the mass, which was also attended by Malate parishioners and visitors, all farmers had ash painted on their forehead with the symbol of the cross, by Abp. Ledesma, Frs. Leydon and Casey, and lay ministers.
Inspired by the Ash Wednesday mass, all farmers marched to the Philippine Senate in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. When they arrived in the place, a deliberation on the Visiting Forces Agreement was going on.
While that was taking place, farmer representatives and Abp. Ledesma maximized the time to confer individually with Senators Nene Pimentel, Migs Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, Ed Angara, and Jamby Madrigal. Women farmers appealed to them to act swiftly on CARP extension with reforms. "We were forced to walk from as far as Masbate to reach you, Senator," Ka Eva said to Sen. Honasan.
The staff inside the Senate Hall, as a matter of rule, instructed the farmers to remove the sticker on their shirt which bore the slogans: "Lupa sa Magsasaka! Isabatas House Bill 4077 at Senate Bill 2666!"
Some other farmers visited the offices of the Senators to solicit support. The Chief of Staff of Senator Bong Revilla promised to shoulder the lunch of all marcher farmers on Monday and donate sacks of rice.
Sen. Pimentel asked the farmers not to waste their time listening to the deliberation on the VFA and instead come back on Friday (27 February) for a Agrarian Reform Committee meeting of the Senate. The farmers obliged.
All 400 farmers, bearing with the hurt in their feet for having marched since the morning, marched back to Caritas Manila (except some 70 who are housed in Sto. Nino Parish Church of Bp. Broderick Pabillo).
Past 10 in the morning, around 250 farmers went to Pasig River below Nagtahan Bridge to commemorate EDSA Anniversary. They floated a three-by-two-foot boat made of styrofoam, on which was written in red: "Pangako ng EDSA, Nasan Na? Lupa sa mga Magsasaka!". Along with the improvised boat were small paper boats that each farmer floated on the river.However, the floating lasted only briefly when marine forces came to crash the improvised boat.
The event was supposed to be participated in also by farmers coming Bicol and Central Luzon, who were blocked by the police in Lacson St., Manila. Negros farmers came to fetch them. After an hour of program in the street, all farmers marched back to Caritas Manila to take their lunch together.
At 2pm, the farmers marched to Malate Church to hear mass to observe the Ash Wednesday. The mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Fr. Archie Casey, SX, and Fr. John Leydon, Malate Parish Priest, and assisted by Sisters of the AMP.
In addition to solemn and progressive songs, Abp. Ledesma's homily and letter read by TFM President Rodito Angeles characterized the mass. The Abp. said two main messages: a) That ash signifies land, in which farmers live and on which they rely for a living; and b) That Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, of 40 days, which means a very long period of hardship and sacrifice that Jesus Christ before He died. "40 days relate to farmers' long period of difficult life and struggle for land," the Abp. said. At the end of his homily, the Abp. assured the farmers that the Church and poor's solidarity gains the blessing of God so that at the end of the day, justice will prevail.
Ka Rodito read the "Panaghoy ng mga Magsasaka" (Cry of the Farmers), representing all farmers having marched in Manila. In the letter, he appealed to non-farmer folks inside the church to understand the small farmers' situation and undertake actions in support of their cause.
At the tail-end of the mass, which was also attended by Malate parishioners and visitors, all farmers had ash painted on their forehead with the symbol of the cross, by Abp. Ledesma, Frs. Leydon and Casey, and lay ministers.
Inspired by the Ash Wednesday mass, all farmers marched to the Philippine Senate in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. When they arrived in the place, a deliberation on the Visiting Forces Agreement was going on.
While that was taking place, farmer representatives and Abp. Ledesma maximized the time to confer individually with Senators Nene Pimentel, Migs Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, Ed Angara, and Jamby Madrigal. Women farmers appealed to them to act swiftly on CARP extension with reforms. "We were forced to walk from as far as Masbate to reach you, Senator," Ka Eva said to Sen. Honasan.
The staff inside the Senate Hall, as a matter of rule, instructed the farmers to remove the sticker on their shirt which bore the slogans: "Lupa sa Magsasaka! Isabatas House Bill 4077 at Senate Bill 2666!"
Some other farmers visited the offices of the Senators to solicit support. The Chief of Staff of Senator Bong Revilla promised to shoulder the lunch of all marcher farmers on Monday and donate sacks of rice.
Sen. Pimentel asked the farmers not to waste their time listening to the deliberation on the VFA and instead come back on Friday (27 February) for a Agrarian Reform Committee meeting of the Senate. The farmers obliged.
All 400 farmers, bearing with the hurt in their feet for having marched since the morning, marched back to Caritas Manila (except some 70 who are housed in Sto. Nino Parish Church of Bp. Broderick Pabillo).
Panaghoy ng mga Magsasaka
24 Pebrero 2009
Minamahal naming mga kababayan at kapatid sa pananampalataya,
Kami ay mahigit na isang libong magsasaka mula sa iba’t-ibang lalawigan ng Mindanao, Visayas at Luzon na narito ngayon upang ihinga sa mga namumuno sa atin ang aming mga problema sa lupa, kapayapaan sa kanayunan, at karapatan sa pagkain.
Ginawa na namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang ipatupad at pat
uloy
na itaguyod ang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reform (CARPER). Naglakad kami, nakipagdayalogo, nagkampo at noong Disyembre 2008
nag-hunger strike kami sa Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at sa Kongreso para pansinin ang aming panaghoy ng mga kongresista. Ngunit maliban sa tatlo sa kanila, walang sinuman sa amin ang pumansin at nakinig.
Sa halip, ipinasa nila ang isang walang kakuwenta-kuwentang Joint Resolution 19. Ang Joint Resolution (JR) 19 ay naglalaan ng anim (6) na buwang extension sa CARP subalit ang pamamahagi ng lupa ay boluntaryo at hindi maipipilit sa maylupa. Sa kasalukuyan, may humigit kumulang na 1.3M ektarya pa ng pribadong lupain ang hindi pa nasasakop ng repormang pang-agraryo kaya kung boluntaryo ang pamamahagi hindi na kailanman maipapamahagi pa ang mga lupaing ito sa mga magsasaka. Ito ay taliwas sa tunay na diwa ng repormang pang-agraryo. Kamakailan po lamang ay ipinasa na naman ang isang mapaniil na batas sa Committee on Constitutional Amendments ng mga kongresista. Ito ang HR 737 na nagbibigay ng ganap na karapatan sa mga dayuhan na makapag-ari ng mga lupaing sakahan. Ang ibig sabihin nito kapag ang dayuhan ang may-ari ng ating mga taniman at sakahan, manganganib ang seguridad ng ating pagkain at kaunlaran.
Kaya ang panaghoy ng magsasaka ay panawagan nating lahat. Katulad ng JR 19, ito ay isa na namang paglabag sa ating Konstitusyon at isang mariing sampal sa aming mga maralitang magsasaka. Wala po itong saysay at hindi po ito ang kailangan namin.
Sa panahon ng mapayapang pagpepetisyon ng mga magsasaka para sa CARP mula 2001-2002, may 483 kasong paglabag sa karapatang pantao na nai-dokumento. Mayroong 19,800 na mga magsasaka na nabiktima ng iba’t ibang anyo ng karahasang pantao. May 48 na magsasaka ang pinatay ng mga pinaghihinalaang mga tauhan ng mga panginoong maylupa at mga armadong grupo.
Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga obispo, pari at relihiyoso sampu ng mga layko na sumang-ayon sa amin at umagapay sa lahat ng aming mga lakarin, nag-hunger strike, nanawagan ng suporta, nakipagdayalogo sa kinauukulan, kumupkop, nag-aruga at nagpakain sa amin, at naglaan ng aming masisilungan.
Kami ay nananawagan sa Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo na:
1. Ipagwalang bisa ang Joint Resolution 19 at HB 737.
2. Isusog ang muling pagpapairal sa HB 4077 bilang Batas Pang-Agraryo.
3. Mabilis na paglilitis at pagbibigay ng katarungan sa mga kaso ng paglabag sa katarungang pantao at pagbibigay proteksiyon sa tuloy-tuloy na reporma sa lupa.
Kaya po, mga kapatid sa pananampalataya ang aming pag-asa ay nasa inyong suporta at pagtulong. Harinawa, damayan po ninyo kami at tulungan sa aming mga pangangailangan tulad ng bigas, tubig, pagkain, kumot, tsinelas at gamot habang kami ay patuloy sa aming pananawagan. Kami po ay inyong puntahan sa Caritas at handa po kaming magbahagi ng aming mga karanasan at buhay sa diwa ng Semana Santa.
Sa ika-3 ng Marso 2009, iniimbitahan po namin kayo sa isang misa na
gaganapin sa UST at isang lakaran ng pagrorosaryo mula sa UST hanggang Mendiola upang ipahatid sa Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang mga panawagang ito. Sa atin pong lakaran, ang bawa’t dekada ng rosaryo ay may panalangin ng iba’t-ibang sektor sapagkat ang lahat ng ating kasalukuyang problema ay magkakaugnay. Naniniwala po kami at nananampalataya na ang Poong Diyos Nating Mahal ang magpupuno ng aming mga kahinaan, kasalatan at mga kakulangan.
“Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang bisig, ipinagtabuyan ang mga taong may maapagmataas na balak, pinatalsik niya sa luklukan ang mga makapangyarihan, itinampok naman ang mga bale wala. Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom at itinaboy namang walang wala ang mayayaman. Nilingap niya ang bayan na kanyang lingkod, inalaala ang kanyang awa ayon sa ipinangako niya sa ating mga ninuno… magpakailanman.” (Lucas 1: 51-55)
DUTA PARA SA MANGUNGUMA
(LUPA PARA SA MAGSASAKA)
ANG SA INYO’Y UMAASA,
JOSE RODITO ANGELES
Task Force Mapalad
ENRIQUE TAYO
Negros Federation of Farmers Association
(NOFFA) / UNORKA-Pilipinas
Panaghoy ng mga Magsasaka
Pinakikinggan ng Diyos ang Panaghoy ng mga Dukha
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
(cf. Exodus 3, 7-9)
Pinakikinggan ng Diyos ang Panaghoy ng mga Dukha
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
(cf. Exodus 3, 7-9)
Minamahal naming mga kababayan at kapatid sa pananampalataya,
Kami ay mahigit na isang libong magsasaka mula sa iba’t-ibang lalawigan ng Mindanao, Visayas at Luzon na narito ngayon upang ihinga sa mga namumuno sa atin ang aming mga problema sa lupa, kapayapaan sa kanayunan, at karapatan sa pagkain.
Ginawa na namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang ipatupad at pat
uloyna itaguyod ang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reform (CARPER). Naglakad kami, nakipagdayalogo, nagkampo at noong Disyembre 2008
nag-hunger strike kami sa Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at sa Kongreso para pansinin ang aming panaghoy ng mga kongresista. Ngunit maliban sa tatlo sa kanila, walang sinuman sa amin ang pumansin at nakinig.
Sa halip, ipinasa nila ang isang walang kakuwenta-kuwentang Joint Resolution 19. Ang Joint Resolution (JR) 19 ay naglalaan ng anim (6) na buwang extension sa CARP subalit ang pamamahagi ng lupa ay boluntaryo at hindi maipipilit sa maylupa. Sa kasalukuyan, may humigit kumulang na 1.3M ektarya pa ng pribadong lupain ang hindi pa nasasakop ng repormang pang-agraryo kaya kung boluntaryo ang pamamahagi hindi na kailanman maipapamahagi pa ang mga lupaing ito sa mga magsasaka. Ito ay taliwas sa tunay na diwa ng repormang pang-agraryo. Kamakailan po lamang ay ipinasa na naman ang isang mapaniil na batas sa Committee on Constitutional Amendments ng mga kongresista. Ito ang HR 737 na nagbibigay ng ganap na karapatan sa mga dayuhan na makapag-ari ng mga lupaing sakahan. Ang ibig sabihin nito kapag ang dayuhan ang may-ari ng ating mga taniman at sakahan, manganganib ang seguridad ng ating pagkain at kaunlaran.
Kaya ang panaghoy ng magsasaka ay panawagan nating lahat. Katulad ng JR 19, ito ay isa na namang paglabag sa ating Konstitusyon at isang mariing sampal sa aming mga maralitang magsasaka. Wala po itong saysay at hindi po ito ang kailangan namin.
Sa panahon ng mapayapang pagpepetisyon ng mga magsasaka para sa CARP mula 2001-2002, may 483 kasong paglabag sa karapatang pantao na nai-dokumento. Mayroong 19,800 na mga magsasaka na nabiktima ng iba’t ibang anyo ng karahasang pantao. May 48 na magsasaka ang pinatay ng mga pinaghihinalaang mga tauhan ng mga panginoong maylupa at mga armadong grupo.
Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga obispo, pari at relihiyoso sampu ng mga layko na sumang-ayon sa amin at umagapay sa lahat ng aming mga lakarin, nag-hunger strike, nanawagan ng suporta, nakipagdayalogo sa kinauukulan, kumupkop, nag-aruga at nagpakain sa amin, at naglaan ng aming masisilungan.
Kami ay nananawagan sa Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo na:
1. Ipagwalang bisa ang Joint Resolution 19 at HB 737.
2. Isusog ang muling pagpapairal sa HB 4077 bilang Batas Pang-Agraryo.
3. Mabilis na paglilitis at pagbibigay ng katarungan sa mga kaso ng paglabag sa katarungang pantao at pagbibigay proteksiyon sa tuloy-tuloy na reporma sa lupa.
Kaya po, mga kapatid sa pananampalataya ang aming pag-asa ay nasa inyong suporta at pagtulong. Harinawa, damayan po ninyo kami at tulungan sa aming mga pangangailangan tulad ng bigas, tubig, pagkain, kumot, tsinelas at gamot habang kami ay patuloy sa aming pananawagan. Kami po ay inyong puntahan sa Caritas at handa po kaming magbahagi ng aming mga karanasan at buhay sa diwa ng Semana Santa.
Sa ika-3 ng Marso 2009, iniimbitahan po namin kayo sa isang misa na
gaganapin sa UST at isang lakaran ng pagrorosaryo mula sa UST hanggang Mendiola upang ipahatid sa Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang mga panawagang ito. Sa atin pong lakaran, ang bawa’t dekada ng rosaryo ay may panalangin ng iba’t-ibang sektor sapagkat ang lahat ng ating kasalukuyang problema ay magkakaugnay. Naniniwala po kami at nananampalataya na ang Poong Diyos Nating Mahal ang magpupuno ng aming mga kahinaan, kasalatan at mga kakulangan.
“Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang bisig, ipinagtabuyan ang mga taong may maapagmataas na balak, pinatalsik niya sa luklukan ang mga makapangyarihan, itinampok naman ang mga bale wala. Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom at itinaboy namang walang wala ang mayayaman. Nilingap niya ang bayan na kanyang lingkod, inalaala ang kanyang awa ayon sa ipinangako niya sa ating mga ninuno… magpakailanman.” (Lucas 1: 51-55)
DUTA PARA SA MANGUNGUMA
(LUPA PARA SA MAGSASAKA)
ANG SA INYO’Y UMAASA,
JOSE RODITO ANGELES
Task Force Mapalad
ENRIQUE TAYO
Negros Federation of Farmers Association
(NOFFA) / UNORKA-Pilipinas
Homily by Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma for Ash Wednesday with the Farmers
Ngayong Ash Wednesday habang naglalagay ng krus sa noo ng mga Kristiyano sinasabi ng pari na "Alalahanin mo, Ikaw ay galing sa abo, at sa abo ka rin babalik”.
Pwede nating baguhin ito ng konti para iangkop sa ating tema ng ating pakikibaka para sa lupang sinasaka: Alalahanin natin. Tayo ay nanggaling sa lupa. At sa lupa rin tayo babalik.
Pero higit pa rito, para sa magsasaka, ang lupa ay isang mahalagang batayan rin ng ating buhay at kabuhay
an. Kaya naman handa tayong magpakasakit sa patuloy na pagkilos para mabigyan tayo ng katarungan at makamtan natin ang katiyakan sa pag-aari ng ating lupang sinasaka.
Ang pangalawang mensahe ay tungkol sa pagpapakasakit. Ang Ash Wednesday ay simula ng Kuwaresma, 40 araw ng pagninilay natin at pakikiisa sa pagpapakasakit at pagkamatay ni Hesus na nagtatapos naman sa Kaniyang pagkabuhay na mag-uli.
Ang 40 ay simbolo sa Bibliya ng "napakahabang panahon." Yong 40 araw at 40 gabi ng ulan o pag-aayuno rin ni Kristo ay hindi literal na 40 araw, kundi ibig sabihin lang ay "mahabang panahon."
Kaya talagang angkop sa ating pagtitipon ngayon ang simbolo ng 40. Talagang napakahabang panahon na ng pakikibaka ng magsasaka para sa lupa at katarungan. At talagang dapat handa tayo sa mahabang pakikibaka. Alam rin nating marami nang buhay ang nabuhos sa pakikibakang ito at habang hindi umaayos ang agraryong reporma, marami pang buhay ang mabubuwis.
Ngunit manalig rin tayo at panatilihin nating buhay ang ating pag-asa na tulad ni Kristo, ang ating paghihirap ay may hangganang magtatapos sa muling pagkabuhay.
Ang pakikiisa ng Simbahan sa mga magsasaka ang isang batayan ng ating pag-asa na babasbasan ng Panginoon ang ating pagsisikap at paghihirap. Sa araw na ito, pagtibayin natin ang ating pagkakaisa at sikapin nating isulong ang ating pagkilos tungo sa ating minimithing katarungan ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos.
Pwede nating baguhin ito ng konti para iangkop sa ating tema ng ating pakikibaka para sa lupang sinasaka: Alalahanin natin. Tayo ay nanggaling sa lupa. At sa lupa rin tayo babalik.
Pero higit pa rito, para sa magsasaka, ang lupa ay isang mahalagang batayan rin ng ating buhay at kabuhay
an. Kaya naman handa tayong magpakasakit sa patuloy na pagkilos para mabigyan tayo ng katarungan at makamtan natin ang katiyakan sa pag-aari ng ating lupang sinasaka.Ang pangalawang mensahe ay tungkol sa pagpapakasakit. Ang Ash Wednesday ay simula ng Kuwaresma, 40 araw ng pagninilay natin at pakikiisa sa pagpapakasakit at pagkamatay ni Hesus na nagtatapos naman sa Kaniyang pagkabuhay na mag-uli.
Ang 40 ay simbolo sa Bibliya ng "napakahabang panahon." Yong 40 araw at 40 gabi ng ulan o pag-aayuno rin ni Kristo ay hindi literal na 40 araw, kundi ibig sabihin lang ay "mahabang panahon."
Kaya talagang angkop sa ating pagtitipon ngayon ang simbolo ng 40. Talagang napakahabang panahon na ng pakikibaka ng magsasaka para sa lupa at katarungan. At talagang dapat handa tayo sa mahabang pakikibaka. Alam rin nating marami nang buhay ang nabuhos sa pakikibakang ito at habang hindi umaayos ang agraryong reporma, marami pang buhay ang mabubuwis.
Ngunit manalig rin tayo at panatilihin nating buhay ang ating pag-asa na tulad ni Kristo, ang ating paghihirap ay may hangganang magtatapos sa muling pagkabuhay.
Ang pakikiisa ng Simbahan sa mga magsasaka ang isang batayan ng ating pag-asa na babasbasan ng Panginoon ang ating pagsisikap at paghihirap. Sa araw na ito, pagtibayin natin ang ating pagkakaisa at sikapin nating isulong ang ating pagkilos tungo sa ating minimithing katarungan ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Video - Police Dispersal of Negros Farmers in Mendiola Rally
Using watercannons, sticks and shields, policemen bodily remove defiant farmers during a protest rally in Mendiola (Don Chino Roces), Manila on Thursday (Feb 12) night. Beginning the 'Lakat Mag-uuma' on Feb.7, the farmers marched from Negros province to Manila to push for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with reforms (CARPER).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWY9X0VvOjw
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Farmers picket outside office of Mike Arroyo in Makati
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sen. Pimentel speaks against Feb 12 dispersal
Press Release
February 17, 2009
WHY WERE FARMERS VIOLENTLY DISPERSED
DURING PEACEFUL RALLY ON MENDIOLA?
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today assailed Malacañang for ordering law enforcers to violently disperse farmers who were peacefully rallying on Mendiola street instead of allowing them to air their legitimate grievances directly before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Pimentel said some 500 landless farmers from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Leyte and Iloilo staged a protest rally on Mendiola, the gateway to the Palace, on Thursday to press for the enactment of a new law that will address the inadequacies of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and to ask for the redistribution of the Arroyo landholdings in Negros Occidental.
For more on the press release, please visit: http://senate.gov.ph/press_release/2009/0217_pimentel1.asp
February 17, 2009
WHY WERE FARMERS VIOLENTLY DISPERSED
DURING PEACEFUL RALLY ON MENDIOLA?
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today assailed Malacañang for ordering law enforcers to violently disperse farmers who were peacefully rallying on Mendiola street instead of allowing them to air their legitimate grievances directly before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Pimentel said some 500 landless farmers from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Leyte and Iloilo staged a protest rally on Mendiola, the gateway to the Palace, on Thursday to press for the enactment of a new law that will address the inadequacies of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and to ask for the redistribution of the Arroyo landholdings in Negros Occidental.
For more on the press release, please visit: http://senate.gov.ph/press_release/2009/0217_pimentel1.asp
Monday, February 16, 2009
RESPECT FARMERS’ HUMAN RIGHTS, EXTEND & REFORM CARP IMMEDIATELY
Partnership for Agrarian Reform andRuralDevelopment Services, Inc. [PARRDS]
No. 85-A, K10 Street. Barangay East Kamias,1102 Quezon City, PHILIPPINES
Telefax: (632) 434-7179
E-mail: parrds@skydsl.com.ph
Website: www.parrds.org
RESPECT FARMERS’ HUMAN RIGHTS, EXTEND & REFORM CARP IMMEDIATELY
The Partnership for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development Services, Inc. (PARRDS) denounces strongly the violent dispersal and manhandling of protesting farmers calling for the reform and extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) perpetrated by state agents — elements of the Manila Police District (MPD) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
A total of twenty seven (27) farmers were injured; seven (7) were women, five (5) were senior citizens. All suffered bruises, contusions and cuts inflicted by the Anti- Riot Police of the MPD on two separate rallies; February 10, 2009 at the Malacañang gate near the Executive House and yesterday’s, (February 12) mobilization at the historic Mendiola bridge.
The battered CARP beneficiaries and petitioners belong to the Task Force Mapalad (TFM), PEACE and UNORKA network. These farmer-organizations coming from Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Leyte, Oriental Negros and Southern Leyte marched towards Manila to demand to the President and Congress CARP extension with reform to include funding of its components particularly the land Tenure Improvement (LTI) and Compulsory Acquisition (CA).
Government Accountable for Human Rights Violations
PARRDS hold responsible the police for blatant violations of the civil and political rights of the poor farmers.
The right to peaceful assembly to seek or air grievances through rallies is guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution under the Bill of Rights (Art. III, Section 4). The same is clearly expressed in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of which the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is state party.
Because of the injuries inflicted on the farmers, the failure to exercise maximum tolerance and the absence of imminent danger to public safety and morals, the Manila Police District is liable for commission of human rights violation.
We likewise hold Congress responsible of omission for failing to pass a Bill that would extend and reform CARP thereby depriving the many poor farmers of their right to means of subsistence, standard of living and reforming the agrarian system as stipulated in Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights(ICESCR) of which the government is also a state party.
Farmers Complaint and Demands
Recent developments on CARP when it was extended for six (6) months only, to exclude the Land Acquisition & Distribution (LAD) component is unacceptable to the beneficiaries and petitioners particularly those with pending cases for resolution. This caused uncertainty among thousands of poor farmers who have pinned their hopes of someday owning the lands they till.
Recognizing that their human rights and the future of their families is in a precarious situation, they have organized themselves, with the help of the church and civil society to seek redress of their grievances through peaceful protest actions.
Following are the farmers’ demands addressed to the President forwarded and
received on February 11, 2009:
1. Re-certify HB 4077 and urge Congress to prioritize its immediate passage;
2. Urge Congress to repeal Joint Resolution # 19, which runs counter to the principles and heart of CARP – just distribution of lands to landless tillers through
Compulsory Acquisition;
3. Direct the DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman to revoke its Memorandum Circular deferring all land holdings in the pipeline for redistribution, be they identified under CA or problematic Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) or Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT). Surely, a large number of agrarian reform beneficiaries have been denied of
their rights as stipulated in the Constitution and agrarian law;
4. Subject lands of your kin in Negros Occidental under CARP. This way, other big landowners will give way and follow suit; and
5. Direct the DAR to immediately and swiftly act on all pending cases under its jurisdiction.
*******
“The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.”
(Isaiah 59:8)
No. 85-A, K10 Street. Barangay East Kamias,1102 Quezon City, PHILIPPINES
Telefax: (632) 434-7179
E-mail: parrds@skydsl.com.ph
Website: www.parrds.org
RESPECT FARMERS’ HUMAN RIGHTS, EXTEND & REFORM CARP IMMEDIATELY
The Partnership for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development Services, Inc. (PARRDS) denounces strongly the violent dispersal and manhandling of protesting farmers calling for the reform and extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) perpetrated by state agents — elements of the Manila Police District (MPD) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
A total of twenty seven (27) farmers were injured; seven (7) were women, five (5) were senior citizens. All suffered bruises, contusions and cuts inflicted by the Anti- Riot Police of the MPD on two separate rallies; February 10, 2009 at the Malacañang gate near the Executive House and yesterday’s, (February 12) mobilization at the historic Mendiola bridge.
The battered CARP beneficiaries and petitioners belong to the Task Force Mapalad (TFM), PEACE and UNORKA network. These farmer-organizations coming from Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Leyte, Oriental Negros and Southern Leyte marched towards Manila to demand to the President and Congress CARP extension with reform to include funding of its components particularly the land Tenure Improvement (LTI) and Compulsory Acquisition (CA).
Government Accountable for Human Rights Violations
PARRDS hold responsible the police for blatant violations of the civil and political rights of the poor farmers.
The right to peaceful assembly to seek or air grievances through rallies is guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution under the Bill of Rights (Art. III, Section 4). The same is clearly expressed in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of which the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is state party.
Because of the injuries inflicted on the farmers, the failure to exercise maximum tolerance and the absence of imminent danger to public safety and morals, the Manila Police District is liable for commission of human rights violation.
We likewise hold Congress responsible of omission for failing to pass a Bill that would extend and reform CARP thereby depriving the many poor farmers of their right to means of subsistence, standard of living and reforming the agrarian system as stipulated in Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights(ICESCR) of which the government is also a state party.
Farmers Complaint and Demands
Recent developments on CARP when it was extended for six (6) months only, to exclude the Land Acquisition & Distribution (LAD) component is unacceptable to the beneficiaries and petitioners particularly those with pending cases for resolution. This caused uncertainty among thousands of poor farmers who have pinned their hopes of someday owning the lands they till.
Recognizing that their human rights and the future of their families is in a precarious situation, they have organized themselves, with the help of the church and civil society to seek redress of their grievances through peaceful protest actions.
Following are the farmers’ demands addressed to the President forwarded and
received on February 11, 2009:
1. Re-certify HB 4077 and urge Congress to prioritize its immediate passage;
2. Urge Congress to repeal Joint Resolution # 19, which runs counter to the principles and heart of CARP – just distribution of lands to landless tillers through
Compulsory Acquisition;
3. Direct the DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman to revoke its Memorandum Circular deferring all land holdings in the pipeline for redistribution, be they identified under CA or problematic Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) or Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT). Surely, a large number of agrarian reform beneficiaries have been denied of
their rights as stipulated in the Constitution and agrarian law;
4. Subject lands of your kin in Negros Occidental under CARP. This way, other big landowners will give way and follow suit; and
5. Direct the DAR to immediately and swiftly act on all pending cases under its jurisdiction.
*******
“The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.”
(Isaiah 59:8)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION for the Inhuman and Violent Dispersal of Farmers in Mendiola
STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION
For the Inhuman and Violent Dispersal of Farmers in Mendiola
on the Eve of February 12
“Defend the weak and the poor.
Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” Psalms 82:3
We, Jose Rodito Angeles, president of Task Force Mapalad (TFM) and Enrique Tayo, chairman of Negros Occidental Federation of Farmers Associations (NOFFA) and National Council Member of Pambansang Ugnayan ng mga Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (UNORKA), issue this statement of condemnation on behalf of more than 500 farmers hailing from the provinces of Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Iloilo.
We denounce in the strongest of terms the inhumane and violent dispersal by anti-riot policemen of our ranks last night at the foot of Malacanang in Mendiola.
The farmers were on their knees saying rosary when the anti-riot policemen charged. At every blow of whistle from Col. Jimmy Tiu, the policemen would make a step forward and make an audible sound of their shields striking the ground. Seeing that the farmers lay prostrate, looked unfazed and were not moving, the firemen trained water cannons on them, while the anti-riot policemen used truncheons to hit backs and knock heads and metal shields to smash the feet and legs of farmers, rendering them helpless on the ground. The assailants knew no age and gender.
The farmers withstood the torment for almost an hour. Several farmers lost consciousness. Their companions who tried to retrieve them were met with greater violence by the anti-riot policemen. Although a few of assailants were seen backing out and breaking down to tears, many of them appeared to indulge in what they were doing.
Never have we imagined that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would allow this kind of inhumanity and barbarianism among the so-called peace-keeping forces. We all came to Mendiola in hopes that we would get her reply to our letter, which we sent her the other day.
In the said letter, we asked her to: a) re-certify House Bill 4077 and urge Congress to prioritize its immediate passage, b) urge Congress to reconsider Joint Resolution #19, which runs counter to the principles and heart of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) – just distribution of lands to landless tillers through compulsory acquisition, c) direct the Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman to revoke his Memorandum Circular deferring all landholdings in the pipeline for redistribution, d) make true her promise to subject lands of Arroyo lands in Negros Occidental under CARP, and e) direct the DAR to immediately and swiftly act on all pending cases under its jurisdiction.
We were told that there was already a reply. Eager in anticipation, we remained in our place and waited for that letter of reply to land in our hands. After waiting for more than seven hours, no letter landed in our hands but the steel-like flow of water, wooden truncheons, and fiberglass shields on our heads, faces, torsos, and feet.
Today, we speak before the press and the public nursing our wounds and bearing with our pains, physically and psychologically. In so doing, we cannot help but wonder whether these wounds and pains are the very reply from the President. And those dreaded objects – water cannons, truncheons, and shields – were the media she used to write it. We also wonder whether the faces of the assailants were themselves her face.
This we say to the President: If you think your administration can stop the farmers’ campaign for reforms and social justice through repression and violence, then, you are on the wrong side of history. For history is on our side. Our forefathers made history by resisting repression, by marching to Mendiola. Last night's action is part of history in the making.
God is, indeed, also on our side. God is against evil, against oppression of the poor. And truth to tell, we have been awestruck by the significant support we have been gaining from the Church. We draw our inspiration from them as we remember the travails that our forefathers or the previous generation of farmers went through in their fight for land reform.
Church is for the poor. God, in whose image we were created, makes history.
We earnestly appeal to other groups and sectors who love peace based on freedom and justice. Please join us in this campaign for CARP extension with meaningful reforms, all for authentic agrarian reform and rural development towards a progressive Philippines.
March with us. Pray with us. Lobby Malacanang and Congress with us.
This is not only the landless and poor farmers' battle. This is the people's.
- o -
For the Inhuman and Violent Dispersal of Farmers in Mendiola
on the Eve of February 12
“Defend the weak and the poor.
Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” Psalms 82:3
We, Jose Rodito Angeles, president of Task Force Mapalad (TFM) and Enrique Tayo, chairman of Negros Occidental Federation of Farmers Associations (NOFFA) and National Council Member of Pambansang Ugnayan ng mga Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (UNORKA), issue this statement of condemnation on behalf of more than 500 farmers hailing from the provinces of Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Iloilo.
We denounce in the strongest of terms the inhumane and violent dispersal by anti-riot policemen of our ranks last night at the foot of Malacanang in Mendiola.
The farmers were on their knees saying rosary when the anti-riot policemen charged. At every blow of whistle from Col. Jimmy Tiu, the policemen would make a step forward and make an audible sound of their shields striking the ground. Seeing that the farmers lay prostrate, looked unfazed and were not moving, the firemen trained water cannons on them, while the anti-riot policemen used truncheons to hit backs and knock heads and metal shields to smash the feet and legs of farmers, rendering them helpless on the ground. The assailants knew no age and gender.
The farmers withstood the torment for almost an hour. Several farmers lost consciousness. Their companions who tried to retrieve them were met with greater violence by the anti-riot policemen. Although a few of assailants were seen backing out and breaking down to tears, many of them appeared to indulge in what they were doing.
Never have we imagined that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would allow this kind of inhumanity and barbarianism among the so-called peace-keeping forces. We all came to Mendiola in hopes that we would get her reply to our letter, which we sent her the other day.
In the said letter, we asked her to: a) re-certify House Bill 4077 and urge Congress to prioritize its immediate passage, b) urge Congress to reconsider Joint Resolution #19, which runs counter to the principles and heart of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) – just distribution of lands to landless tillers through compulsory acquisition, c) direct the Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman to revoke his Memorandum Circular deferring all landholdings in the pipeline for redistribution, d) make true her promise to subject lands of Arroyo lands in Negros Occidental under CARP, and e) direct the DAR to immediately and swiftly act on all pending cases under its jurisdiction.
We were told that there was already a reply. Eager in anticipation, we remained in our place and waited for that letter of reply to land in our hands. After waiting for more than seven hours, no letter landed in our hands but the steel-like flow of water, wooden truncheons, and fiberglass shields on our heads, faces, torsos, and feet.
Today, we speak before the press and the public nursing our wounds and bearing with our pains, physically and psychologically. In so doing, we cannot help but wonder whether these wounds and pains are the very reply from the President. And those dreaded objects – water cannons, truncheons, and shields – were the media she used to write it. We also wonder whether the faces of the assailants were themselves her face.
This we say to the President: If you think your administration can stop the farmers’ campaign for reforms and social justice through repression and violence, then, you are on the wrong side of history. For history is on our side. Our forefathers made history by resisting repression, by marching to Mendiola. Last night's action is part of history in the making.
God is, indeed, also on our side. God is against evil, against oppression of the poor. And truth to tell, we have been awestruck by the significant support we have been gaining from the Church. We draw our inspiration from them as we remember the travails that our forefathers or the previous generation of farmers went through in their fight for land reform.
Church is for the poor. God, in whose image we were created, makes history.
We earnestly appeal to other groups and sectors who love peace based on freedom and justice. Please join us in this campaign for CARP extension with meaningful reforms, all for authentic agrarian reform and rural development towards a progressive Philippines.
March with us. Pray with us. Lobby Malacanang and Congress with us.
This is not only the landless and poor farmers' battle. This is the people's.
- o -
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Negros Lakat Mag-uuma for CARP (Day 3)
Feb. 9, 2009 (9:53 AM) - Around 400 Negros farmers from various haciendas affiliated with Task Force Mapalad and Negros Occidental Free Farmers Association are now boarding MS St. Peter the Apostle of Negros Navigation bound for Manila.
They are bringing their issue to Malacañang and are determined to convince President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) to urge congress to pass a CARP extension law soonest.
Expected arrival in North Harbor, Manila is 6:00 AM tomorrow, February 10.
After breakfast, they will march to Manila Cathedral to be received by Catholic Bishops.
At 1:00 PM the farmers will march to and mount a stakeout in Malacañang to demand PGMA to lead by example by ordering redistribution of Arroyo lands in Negros.
Farmers will also demand CARP extension with compulsary acquisition.
Farmers will chant: hunger never again! maralita magkaisa!
On Wednesday February 11 Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila will lead a Mass near Mendiola Bridge for Lakat Mag-uuma at 1:30 PM. Other bishops and some priests might also attend to concelebrate.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
PEACE - 4343003
PARRDS - 4347179
They are bringing their issue to Malacañang and are determined to convince President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) to urge congress to pass a CARP extension law soonest.
Expected arrival in North Harbor, Manila is 6:00 AM tomorrow, February 10.
After breakfast, they will march to Manila Cathedral to be received by Catholic Bishops.
At 1:00 PM the farmers will march to and mount a stakeout in Malacañang to demand PGMA to lead by example by ordering redistribution of Arroyo lands in Negros.
Farmers will also demand CARP extension with compulsary acquisition.
Farmers will chant: hunger never again! maralita magkaisa!
On Wednesday February 11 Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila will lead a Mass near Mendiola Bridge for Lakat Mag-uuma at 1:30 PM. Other bishops and some priests might also attend to concelebrate.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
PEACE - 4343003
PARRDS - 4347179
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Picture Releases - Lakat Mag-uuma
Picture Releases about the 2-day Negros-wide Lakat Mag-uuma of some 1,500 Negros farmers from Task Force Mapalad (TFM) and Negros Organization of Free Farmers Association (NOFFA), a Lakbayan that will lead them to Manila on Tuesday, 10 Feb.
Reaching Silay City from Victorias City, a total of 16-kilometers walk, TFM farmers and their families head for Bacolod City (some 15 kilometers from Silay City) on the 2nd day of their Negros-wide Lakbayan to intensify their call on President Arroyo to urge Congress to pass CARP Extension measure soonest. CARP is their only hope to own and till their own land. They will take a boat to Manila on Monday (Feb 9) and bring their call to Malacañang starting Tuesday.
TFM farmers from various haciendas who are hoping for the completion of CARP process in their respective areas prepare for the 2nd day of Lakat Mag-uuma tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Panakahan at dawn in Victorias City. They are headed to Bacolod City, walking a total of 35 kilometers from Victorias.
Youths join their parents in their fight for the passage of CARP extension with reforms on a 2-day Negros-wide Lakbayan that will lead them to Manila to intensify their campaign. They are taking dinner at their overnight stop-over at the Perpetual Help parish in Victorias City.
TFM farmers on a 2-day Lakbayan for CARP dubbed 'lakat Mag-uuma Tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Agraryo" take dinner in Perpetual Help parish in Victorias City.
TFM farmers start Lakat Mag-uuma tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Agraryo in Isabela town despite heavy rains and cold weather.
Reference: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - 0920 9005087
Reaching Silay City from Victorias City, a total of 16-kilometers walk, TFM farmers and their families head for Bacolod City (some 15 kilometers from Silay City) on the 2nd day of their Negros-wide Lakbayan to intensify their call on President Arroyo to urge Congress to pass CARP Extension measure soonest. CARP is their only hope to own and till their own land. They will take a boat to Manila on Monday (Feb 9) and bring their call to Malacañang starting Tuesday.
TFM farmers from various haciendas who are hoping for the completion of CARP process in their respective areas prepare for the 2nd day of Lakat Mag-uuma tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Panakahan at dawn in Victorias City. They are headed to Bacolod City, walking a total of 35 kilometers from Victorias.
Youths join their parents in their fight for the passage of CARP extension with reforms on a 2-day Negros-wide Lakbayan that will lead them to Manila to intensify their campaign. They are taking dinner at their overnight stop-over at the Perpetual Help parish in Victorias City.
TFM farmers on a 2-day Lakbayan for CARP dubbed 'lakat Mag-uuma Tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Agraryo" take dinner in Perpetual Help parish in Victorias City.
TFM farmers start Lakat Mag-uuma tungo sa Makabuluhang Repormang Agraryo in Isabela town despite heavy rains and cold weather.
Reference: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - 0920 9005087
Negros Lakat Mag-uuma for CARP (Day 2 / Advisory 3)
Advisory 3 - Feb. 8, 2009 (7:54 PM) - About 1,200 farmers from Task Force Mapalad, PEACE and UNORKA have entered Bacolod City and are now beside the Bacolod Bay Center beside the Cathedral.
They were welcomed by AKBAYAN-Negros and the Negros CARP Reform Movement (NCRM).
They stirred the city with calls for the extension of CARP as they hold a torch parade around the lagoon.
Bishop Vicente Navarra will hold a Mass for them tomorrow at 7:00 AM before they board a boat to Manila.
The farmers are expected to be in North Harbor, Manila at 5:30 AM Tuesday (Feb. 10).
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
They were welcomed by AKBAYAN-Negros and the Negros CARP Reform Movement (NCRM).
They stirred the city with calls for the extension of CARP as they hold a torch parade around the lagoon.
Bishop Vicente Navarra will hold a Mass for them tomorrow at 7:00 AM before they board a boat to Manila.
The farmers are expected to be in North Harbor, Manila at 5:30 AM Tuesday (Feb. 10).
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
Negros Lakat Mag-uuma for CARP (Day 2 / Advisory 2)
Advisory 2 - Feb. 8, 2009 (8:58 AM) - About 200 Task Force Mapalad farmers from North Negros who stayed overnight in Victorias City parish are now walking towards Silay City where they will be met by other farmer marchers lunchtime today.
After hearing Mass at the parish of Perpetual Help and a breakfast of pandesal and coffee, they hit the road at 6:30 AM for a 15-kilometer walk to Silay City.
From Silay City they will complete another 20-kilometer walk to Bacolod City this afternoon and merge with marchers from South Negros at around 6:00 PM tonight.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
After hearing Mass at the parish of Perpetual Help and a breakfast of pandesal and coffee, they hit the road at 6:30 AM for a 15-kilometer walk to Silay City.
From Silay City they will complete another 20-kilometer walk to Bacolod City this afternoon and merge with marchers from South Negros at around 6:00 PM tonight.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
Negros Lakat Mag-uuma for CARP (Day 2)
Advisory 1 - Feb. 8, 2009 (7:14 AM) - In South Negros, some 300 Task Force Mapalad farmers (led by the Arroyo farmers) who spent overnight in Valladolid town are now marching 5 kilometers toward Pulupandan.
The La Carlota parish priest provided their dinner last night. Valladolid parish provided them breakfast.
After a send-off blessing by Fr. Jexon Davao, they hit the road to meet some 150 farmers from various Haciendas including Angelita, Velez-Malaga, Manzareno and contingents from Negros Oriental and Bago City.
They will take lunch in Bago City, the next stop after Pulupandan.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
The La Carlota parish priest provided their dinner last night. Valladolid parish provided them breakfast.
After a send-off blessing by Fr. Jexon Davao, they hit the road to meet some 150 farmers from various Haciendas including Angelita, Velez-Malaga, Manzareno and contingents from Negros Oriental and Bago City.
They will take lunch in Bago City, the next stop after Pulupandan.
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
Negros Lakat Mag-uuma for CARP (Day 1)
Advisory 1 - Feb. 7, 2009 (11:40 AM) / Isabela, Negros Occidental - Around 100 farmers from 11 haciendas in Isabela town, Negros Occidental are now gathered inside San Nicolas Parish to kick off the Negros-wide march for land.
Braving heavy rains, storm and cold weather, the farmers are determined to finish their 2-day march before they proceed to Manila to continue asking Congress to immediately pass HB 4077 and SB2666 or the extension of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with reforms.
Fr. Felix Vibas of San Nicolas Parish will bless them for their safe journey.
The oldest marcher is Felix Vibas, 80, of Hacienda Dumancas.
Farmers came from various Haciendas such as Bacan, Grande, Paraiso, Victoria, Rosario, Marua, Barila, Dumancas, Rupit, Amin and Buhian.
In North Negros, another 120 farmers have started marching from Cadiz town.
---
Advisory 2 - Feb. 7, 2009 (2:29 PM) - Some 150 farmers from Isabela town, Negros Occidental have reached Brgy. Crossing, Magallon walking a total of 5 kilometers.
About 200 farmers from Cadiz, North Negros are now in Barangay Martisan (Cadiz town), completing a 15-kilometer march.
All drenched and feeling cold, they will continue to reach their respective destinations to meet other farmers who are joining the march for CARP extension with reforms.
###
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
Braving heavy rains, storm and cold weather, the farmers are determined to finish their 2-day march before they proceed to Manila to continue asking Congress to immediately pass HB 4077 and SB2666 or the extension of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with reforms.
Fr. Felix Vibas of San Nicolas Parish will bless them for their safe journey.
The oldest marcher is Felix Vibas, 80, of Hacienda Dumancas.
Farmers came from various Haciendas such as Bacan, Grande, Paraiso, Victoria, Rosario, Marua, Barila, Dumancas, Rupit, Amin and Buhian.
In North Negros, another 120 farmers have started marching from Cadiz town.
---
Advisory 2 - Feb. 7, 2009 (2:29 PM) - Some 150 farmers from Isabela town, Negros Occidental have reached Brgy. Crossing, Magallon walking a total of 5 kilometers.
About 200 farmers from Cadiz, North Negros are now in Barangay Martisan (Cadiz town), completing a 15-kilometer march.
All drenched and feeling cold, they will continue to reach their respective destinations to meet other farmers who are joining the march for CARP extension with reforms.
###
Ref: Heidi Fernandez / Task Force Mapalad - (+63) 920 900 5087
Thursday, January 29, 2009
FARMERS URGE PGMA TO VETO JOINT RESOLUTION # 19; PUSH FOR CARP EXTENSION WITH REFORMS
Hunger for Land, Hunger for Justice
PRESS RELEASE
January 22, 2009
Pls. contact: Murin Velasco (09162461163)
FARMERS URGE PGMA TO VETO JOINT RESOLUTION # 19; PUSH FOR CARP EXTENSION WITH REFORMS
Farmers who are calling for the reform and extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) have expressed their concern on the fate of agrarian reform.
Today marks the end of the 30-day period wherein the president may sign into law or veto Joint Resolution # 19 (JR19) which was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate of last December.
Joint Resolution # 19 extends CARP for six months but without the compulsory acquisition (CA) scheme and only landholdings under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT) are to be processed.
Ka Jimmy Tadeo of PARAGOS-Pilipinas and Reform CARP Movement (RCM) criticized JR #19 as being deceptive.
He said that while Congress makes it appear that they have extended CARP for 6-months to give them more time to deliberate on a CARP extension law, the real intent and effect of JR #19 is to kill the agrarian reform program.
“ Kung sa loob ng dalawampung (20) taon ay nakalusot ang mga panginoong may-lupa sa CA, ngayon pa na tuluyan nang tinanggal ito sa Joint Resolution? Ang resulta nito ay naglalagablab na kanayunan…kamatayan sa aming mga magbubukid”
Tadeo said in a dialogue between the farmers, Catholic Bishops, DAR and the Office of the President.
Also in the said dialogue, Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged the President to veto JR19 as this is unlawful and contrary to DOJ opinion 009.
The prelate said that CARP is a continuing program mandated by the Constitution.
“This is not what the President really wants, earlier she certified urgent the CARPER bills in the Senate and Lower House, why come up with this Joint Resolution instead?” said Bishop Pabillo.
While DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said that vetoing the JR19 will disrobe the Department of its authority to implement its programs as there will be no funds for the next six months, the farmers and the representatives of the religious groups argued that if the administration is really intent on implementing agrarian reform, the President can easily exercise her power to realign the budget for DAR to continue its mandate.
The farmers also criticized the national directive issued by DAR last January 12, 2009 following the provisions of JR #19. In the directive, DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman ordered the deferral of the processing of lands covered by compulsory acquisition including those landholdings which have already been worked on by DAR and already in the pipeline, and survey activities for lands under CA until further notice.
“The directive issued by DAR strengthens our suspicion that the Arroyo administration intends to kill CARP. The Arroyos in the House of Representatives issued the death sentence of CARP by orchestrating the passage of Joint Resolution #19, now the Department of Agrarian Reform has just issued the order of execution by issuing the directive suspending the coverage of lands under compulsory acquisition.”
Jose Rodito Angeles of Task Force Mapalad raised concern that land owners used this DAR directive to stop distribution of their land Negros.
Several other farmers present in the dialogue raised similar concerns of inaction to their cases and rapid land conversion.
Hence, the farmers urged DAR to firm up its stance, withdraw the national directive and perform its mandate under the Constitution.
Lastly, Bishop Pabillo called for all parties to unite and come up with strategies that will push for the passage of the CARP Extension with Reform bills.
“We are hopeful that the President will realize the importance of agrarian reform and will veto JR #19 and provide funds for the implementation of the land acquisition and distribution to dispel any doubt on the intent of her administration to pursue the implementation of CARP as mandated by the constitution. Ensuring the extension of the budget of CARP is a constitutional and moral obligation of this administration.”
###
PRESS RELEASE
January 22, 2009
Pls. contact: Murin Velasco (09162461163)
FARMERS URGE PGMA TO VETO JOINT RESOLUTION # 19; PUSH FOR CARP EXTENSION WITH REFORMS
Farmers who are calling for the reform and extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) have expressed their concern on the fate of agrarian reform.
Today marks the end of the 30-day period wherein the president may sign into law or veto Joint Resolution # 19 (JR19) which was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate of last December.
Joint Resolution # 19 extends CARP for six months but without the compulsory acquisition (CA) scheme and only landholdings under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT) are to be processed.
Ka Jimmy Tadeo of PARAGOS-Pilipinas and Reform CARP Movement (RCM) criticized JR #19 as being deceptive.
He said that while Congress makes it appear that they have extended CARP for 6-months to give them more time to deliberate on a CARP extension law, the real intent and effect of JR #19 is to kill the agrarian reform program.
“ Kung sa loob ng dalawampung (20) taon ay nakalusot ang mga panginoong may-lupa sa CA, ngayon pa na tuluyan nang tinanggal ito sa Joint Resolution? Ang resulta nito ay naglalagablab na kanayunan…kamatayan sa aming mga magbubukid”
Tadeo said in a dialogue between the farmers, Catholic Bishops, DAR and the Office of the President.
Also in the said dialogue, Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged the President to veto JR19 as this is unlawful and contrary to DOJ opinion 009.
The prelate said that CARP is a continuing program mandated by the Constitution.
“This is not what the President really wants, earlier she certified urgent the CARPER bills in the Senate and Lower House, why come up with this Joint Resolution instead?” said Bishop Pabillo.
While DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said that vetoing the JR19 will disrobe the Department of its authority to implement its programs as there will be no funds for the next six months, the farmers and the representatives of the religious groups argued that if the administration is really intent on implementing agrarian reform, the President can easily exercise her power to realign the budget for DAR to continue its mandate.
The farmers also criticized the national directive issued by DAR last January 12, 2009 following the provisions of JR #19. In the directive, DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman ordered the deferral of the processing of lands covered by compulsory acquisition including those landholdings which have already been worked on by DAR and already in the pipeline, and survey activities for lands under CA until further notice.
“The directive issued by DAR strengthens our suspicion that the Arroyo administration intends to kill CARP. The Arroyos in the House of Representatives issued the death sentence of CARP by orchestrating the passage of Joint Resolution #19, now the Department of Agrarian Reform has just issued the order of execution by issuing the directive suspending the coverage of lands under compulsory acquisition.”
Jose Rodito Angeles of Task Force Mapalad raised concern that land owners used this DAR directive to stop distribution of their land Negros.
Several other farmers present in the dialogue raised similar concerns of inaction to their cases and rapid land conversion.
Hence, the farmers urged DAR to firm up its stance, withdraw the national directive and perform its mandate under the Constitution.
Lastly, Bishop Pabillo called for all parties to unite and come up with strategies that will push for the passage of the CARP Extension with Reform bills.
“We are hopeful that the President will realize the importance of agrarian reform and will veto JR #19 and provide funds for the implementation of the land acquisition and distribution to dispel any doubt on the intent of her administration to pursue the implementation of CARP as mandated by the constitution. Ensuring the extension of the budget of CARP is a constitutional and moral obligation of this administration.”
###
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
POSITION PAPER ON JOINT RESOLUTION NUMBER 19
POSITION PAPER ON JOINT RESOLUTION NUMBER 19
We, the Bishops of the Catholic Church, are one in opposing Joint Resolution No.19 that was approved by Congress. The resolution was crafted not to extend the implementation of CARP for another six (6) months but to kill agrarian reform.
Joint Resolution No. 19 mandated the removal of the compulsory acquisition mode of land distribution which is the heart and soul of the agrarian reform program. The resolution covers only private agricultural lands whose landowners have offered their lands under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and under the Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT).
Joint Resolution No.19 must be stricken down. It is clearly unconstitutional since the Constitution mandates that the State shall undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands. The said provision clearly commands the State to distribute and subject to agrarian reform all lands; not only those that will be covered under the voluntary schemes: Voluntarily Offer to Sell (VOS) and Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT).
Joint Resolution No.19 effectively cancels the distribution of 64 percent (64%) of new lands which are set to be covered by CARP as well as halts the distribution of all lands that are being processed for distribution under the compulsory acquisition mode. JR No.19 clearly discriminates against thousands of farmers who have currently pending application for coverage will not be acted on by government.
The resolution ends Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) under CARP as landowners are not expected to voluntarily offer their lands under CARP. These are mostly private agricultural lands owned by landowners who have been resisting the program for the past twenty (20) years. Landowners of landholdings currently under VOS and VLT are also expected to withdraw their application for VOS and VLT to altogether avoid CARP coverage.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) delivered the final blow on CARP by issuing the DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804. The memorandum is an operational directive that provides the guidelines in implementing the Joint Resolution No.19. However, it worsens the situation by ordering the deferment of the "processing of Compulsory Acquisition (CA) including landholdings already in the pipeline, and survey activities for lands under CA until further notice". Furthermore, the memorandum is prematurely
issued because JR No.19 has yet to be signed into law.
Joint Resolution No.19 and DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804 could spark chaos in the countryside as the agrarian reform beneficiaries and landowners are bound to fight head on over the issue. This early, the Joint Resolution No.19 and Memorandum 09-01804 are already being used by landowners to block the distribution of all agricultural
lands.
The Congress and the DAR subjected agrarian reform to the discretion of the landowners and removed the compulsion which is the essence of this social justice measure. Such act of emasculation committed by the Congress and DAR gauged against the relevant Constitutional provisions, amounts to a nullity.
We also call on the DAR to stick to its Constitutional mandate of continuing CARP until all agricultural lands are covered and scrap Memorandum 09-01804.
Finally, we call on the President to reiterate her support to CARP extension with reforms by re-issuing certification for HB 4077 and SB 2666 as urgent bills and by pro-actively campaigning for the immediate passage of the CARP extension with reforms law.
Signed:
MOST REV. RAMON C. ARGUELLES, D.D., Archbishop of Lipa
MOST REV. PACIANO B. ANICETO, D.D., Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. JOSE S. PALMA, D.D., Archbishop of Palo
MOST REV. BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
MOST REV. HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO, D.D., Bishop of Cubao
MOST REV. ANTONIO P. PALANG, SVD, D.D., Bishop of San Jose de Mindoro
MOST REV. ISABELO C. ABARQUEZ, D.D., Bishop of Calbayog
MOST REV. JOEL Z. BAYLON, D.D., Bishop of Masbate
MOST REV. LUCILO B. QUIAMBAO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Legazpi
MOST REV. REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D., Bishop of Boac
MOST REV. SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D., Bishop of Balanga
MOST REV. JOHN F. DU, D.D. Bishop of Dumaguete
MOST REV. VICENTE M. NAVARRA, D.D., Bishop of Bacolod
MOST REV. EMMANUEL C. TRANCE, D.D., Bishop of Catarman
MOST REV. DEOGRACIAS S. IÑIGUEZ, JR., D.D., Bishop of Kalookan
MOST REV. EDGARDO S. JUANICH, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Taytay, Palawan
MOST REV. HONESTO C. PACANA, S.J., D.D., Bishop of Malaybalay, Bukidnon
MOST REV. PATRICIO H. ALO, D.D. Bishop of Mati, Davao Oriental
MOST REV. SOFRONIO A. BANCUD, SSS, D.D., Bishop of Cabanatuan
MOST REV. PRECIOSO D. CANTILLAS, SDB, D.D., Bishop of Maasin
MOST REV. CARLITO J. CENZON, CICM, D.D., Bishop of Baguio
MOST REV. FLORENTINO F. CINENSE, D.D., Bishop of Tarlac
MOST REV. LEO M. DRONA, SDB, D.D., Bishop of San Pablo
MOST REV. FRANCISCO M. DE LEON, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo
MOST REV. MANOLO A. DE LOS SANTOS, D.D., Bishop of Virac
MOST REV. LEOPOLDO C. JAUCIAN, SVD, DD., Bishop of Bangued
MOST REV. JACINTO A. JOSE, D.D., Bishop of Urdaneta
MOST REV. MARTIN S. JUMOAD, D.D., Bishop Prelate of Isabela, Basilan
MOST REV. ONESIMO C. GORDONCILLO D.D., Archbishop of Capiz
MOST REV. ANGELITO R. LAMPON, OMI, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Jolo
MOST REV. ROBERTO C. MALLARI, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. JOSE R. MANGUIRAN, D.D., Bishop of Dipolog
MOST REV. EMILIO Z. MARQUEZ, D.D., Bishop of Lucena
MOST REV. NICOLAS M. MONDEJAR, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of San Carlos, Negros Occidental
MOST REV. NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, D.D., Bishop of Tandag
MOST REV. JOSE F. OLIVEROS, D.D., Bishop of Malolos
MOST REV. JESUS A. DOSADO, D.D., Bishop of Ozamis
MOST REV. GEORGE B. RIMANDO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Davao
MOST REV. JOSE C. SORRA, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Legazpi
MOST REV. JOSE CORAZON T. TALA-OC, D.D., Bishop of Romblon
MOST REV. SERGIO L. UTLEG, D.D., Bishop of Laoag
MOST REV. ARTURO M. BASTES, SVD, D.D., Bishop of Sorsogon
MOST REV. WARLITO I. CAJANDIG, D.D., Bishop of Calapan
MOST REV. GUILLERMO V. AFABLE, D.D., Bishop of Digos
MOST REV. RODOLFO F. BELTRAN, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe
MOST REV. ELENITO DE LOS REYES GALIDO, D.D., Bishop of Iligan
MOST REV. FILOMENO G. BACTOL, D.D., Bishop of Naval
MOST REV. ARTEMIO L. RILLERA, SVD, D.D., Bishop of San Fernando La Union
MOST REV. LEANDRO Y. MEDROSO, D.D., JCD, Bishop of Tagbilaran
MOST REV. ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D., Bishop of Zamboanga
MOST REV. ROMULO T. DE LA CRUZ, D.D., Bishop of Kidapawan
MOST REV. DIMUALDO D. GUTIERREZ, D.D., BSE, MA, STD, Bishop of Marvel
MOST REV. RENATO P. MAYUGBA, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen, Dagupan
MOST REV. BANJAMIN J. ALMONEDA, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Daet
MOST REV. IRENEO A. AMANTILLO, CSSR, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Tandag
MOST REV. ANGEL T. HOBAYAN, D.D, DCJ, Bishop Emeritus of Catarman
MOST REV. JOSEPH NACUA, D.D., Bishop of Ilagan
MOST REV. PEDRO D. ARIGO, D.D., Vicariate of Puerto Princesa
MOST REV. BUENAVENTURA M. FAMADICO, D.D., Bishop of Gumaca
MOST REV. BERNARDINO C. CORTEZ, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
MOST REV. RICARDO L. BACCAY, D.D., Bishop of Tuguegarao
MOST REV. PABLO VIRGILIO S. DAVID, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. FRANCISCO C. SAN DIEGO, D.D., Bishop of Pasig
MOST REV. FRANCISCO F. CLAVER, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Bontoc-Lagawe
MOST REV. ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO, OMI, D.D., Archbishop of Cotabato
MOST REV. LUIS ANTONIO G. TAGLE, D.D., STD, Bishop of Imus
MOST REV. JUAN DE DIOS M. PUEBLOS, D.D., Bishop of Butuan
We, the Bishops of the Catholic Church, are one in opposing Joint Resolution No.19 that was approved by Congress. The resolution was crafted not to extend the implementation of CARP for another six (6) months but to kill agrarian reform.
Joint Resolution No. 19 mandated the removal of the compulsory acquisition mode of land distribution which is the heart and soul of the agrarian reform program. The resolution covers only private agricultural lands whose landowners have offered their lands under the Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and under the Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT).
Joint Resolution No.19 must be stricken down. It is clearly unconstitutional since the Constitution mandates that the State shall undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands. The said provision clearly commands the State to distribute and subject to agrarian reform all lands; not only those that will be covered under the voluntary schemes: Voluntarily Offer to Sell (VOS) and Voluntary Land Transfer (VLT).
Joint Resolution No.19 effectively cancels the distribution of 64 percent (64%) of new lands which are set to be covered by CARP as well as halts the distribution of all lands that are being processed for distribution under the compulsory acquisition mode. JR No.19 clearly discriminates against thousands of farmers who have currently pending application for coverage will not be acted on by government.
The resolution ends Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) under CARP as landowners are not expected to voluntarily offer their lands under CARP. These are mostly private agricultural lands owned by landowners who have been resisting the program for the past twenty (20) years. Landowners of landholdings currently under VOS and VLT are also expected to withdraw their application for VOS and VLT to altogether avoid CARP coverage.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) delivered the final blow on CARP by issuing the DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804. The memorandum is an operational directive that provides the guidelines in implementing the Joint Resolution No.19. However, it worsens the situation by ordering the deferment of the "processing of Compulsory Acquisition (CA) including landholdings already in the pipeline, and survey activities for lands under CA until further notice". Furthermore, the memorandum is prematurely
issued because JR No.19 has yet to be signed into law.
Joint Resolution No.19 and DAR Memorandum No. 09-01804 could spark chaos in the countryside as the agrarian reform beneficiaries and landowners are bound to fight head on over the issue. This early, the Joint Resolution No.19 and Memorandum 09-01804 are already being used by landowners to block the distribution of all agricultural
lands.
The Congress and the DAR subjected agrarian reform to the discretion of the landowners and removed the compulsion which is the essence of this social justice measure. Such act of emasculation committed by the Congress and DAR gauged against the relevant Constitutional provisions, amounts to a nullity.
We also call on the DAR to stick to its Constitutional mandate of continuing CARP until all agricultural lands are covered and scrap Memorandum 09-01804.
Finally, we call on the President to reiterate her support to CARP extension with reforms by re-issuing certification for HB 4077 and SB 2666 as urgent bills and by pro-actively campaigning for the immediate passage of the CARP extension with reforms law.
Signed:
MOST REV. ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, D.D., Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
MOST REV. RAMON C. ARGUELLES, D.D., Archbishop of Lipa
MOST REV. PACIANO B. ANICETO, D.D., Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. JOSE S. PALMA, D.D., Archbishop of Palo
MOST REV. BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
MOST REV. HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO, D.D., Bishop of Cubao
MOST REV. ANTONIO P. PALANG, SVD, D.D., Bishop of San Jose de Mindoro
MOST REV. ISABELO C. ABARQUEZ, D.D., Bishop of Calbayog
MOST REV. JOEL Z. BAYLON, D.D., Bishop of Masbate
MOST REV. LUCILO B. QUIAMBAO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Legazpi
MOST REV. REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D., Bishop of Boac
MOST REV. SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D., Bishop of Balanga
MOST REV. JOHN F. DU, D.D. Bishop of Dumaguete
MOST REV. VICENTE M. NAVARRA, D.D., Bishop of Bacolod
MOST REV. EMMANUEL C. TRANCE, D.D., Bishop of Catarman
MOST REV. DEOGRACIAS S. IÑIGUEZ, JR., D.D., Bishop of Kalookan
MOST REV. EDGARDO S. JUANICH, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Taytay, Palawan
MOST REV. HONESTO C. PACANA, S.J., D.D., Bishop of Malaybalay, Bukidnon
MOST REV. PATRICIO H. ALO, D.D. Bishop of Mati, Davao Oriental
MOST REV. SOFRONIO A. BANCUD, SSS, D.D., Bishop of Cabanatuan
MOST REV. EMMANUEL T. CABAJAR, CSsR., D.D., Bishop of Pagadian
MOST REV. PRECIOSO D. CANTILLAS, SDB, D.D., Bishop of Maasin
MOST REV. CARLITO J. CENZON, CICM, D.D., Bishop of Baguio
MOST REV. FLORENTINO F. CINENSE, D.D., Bishop of Tarlac
MOST REV. LEO M. DRONA, SDB, D.D., Bishop of San Pablo
MOST REV. FRANCISCO M. DE LEON, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo
MOST REV. MANOLO A. DE LOS SANTOS, D.D., Bishop of Virac
MOST REV. LEOPOLDO C. JAUCIAN, SVD, DD., Bishop of Bangued
MOST REV. JACINTO A. JOSE, D.D., Bishop of Urdaneta
MOST REV. MARTIN S. JUMOAD, D.D., Bishop Prelate of Isabela, Basilan
MOST REV. ONESIMO C. GORDONCILLO D.D., Archbishop of Capiz
MOST REV. ANGELITO R. LAMPON, OMI, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Jolo
MOST REV. ROBERTO C. MALLARI, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. JOSE R. MANGUIRAN, D.D., Bishop of Dipolog
MOST REV. EMILIO Z. MARQUEZ, D.D., Bishop of Lucena
MOST REV. NICOLAS M. MONDEJAR, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of San Carlos, Negros Occidental
MOST REV. NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, D.D., Bishop of Tandag
MOST REV. JOSE F. OLIVEROS, D.D., Bishop of Malolos
MOST REV. JESUS A. DOSADO, D.D., Bishop of Ozamis
MOST REV. GEORGE B. RIMANDO, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Davao
MOST REV. JOSE C. SORRA, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Legazpi
MOST REV. JOSE CORAZON T. TALA-OC, D.D., Bishop of Romblon
MOST REV. JULIUS S. TONEL, D.D., Bishop of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
MOST REV. SERGIO L. UTLEG, D.D., Bishop of Laoag
MOST REV. CRISPIN B. VARQUEZ, Bishop of Borongan, Eastern Samar
MOST REV. MYLO HUBERT C. VERGARA, D.D., Bishop of San Jose de Nueva Ecija
MOST REV. ARTURO M. BASTES, SVD, D.D., Bishop of Sorsogon
MOST REV. WARLITO I. CAJANDIG, D.D., Bishop of Calapan
MOST REV. GUILLERMO V. AFABLE, D.D., Bishop of Digos
MOST REV. RODOLFO F. BELTRAN, D.D., Vicar Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe
MOST REV. ELENITO DE LOS REYES GALIDO, D.D., Bishop of Iligan
MOST REV. FILOMENO G. BACTOL, D.D., Bishop of Naval
MOST REV. ARTEMIO L. RILLERA, SVD, D.D., Bishop of San Fernando La Union
MOST REV. LEANDRO Y. MEDROSO, D.D., JCD, Bishop of Tagbilaran
MOST REV. ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D., Bishop of Zamboanga
MOST REV. ROMULO T. DE LA CRUZ, D.D., Bishop of Kidapawan
MOST REV. DIMUALDO D. GUTIERREZ, D.D., BSE, MA, STD, Bishop of Marvel
MOST REV. RENATO P. MAYUGBA, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen, Dagupan
MOST REV. BANJAMIN J. ALMONEDA, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Daet
MOST REV. IRENEO A. AMANTILLO, CSSR, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Tandag
MOST REV. ANGEL T. HOBAYAN, D.D, DCJ, Bishop Emeritus of Catarman
MOST REV. JOSEPH NACUA, D.D., Bishop of Ilagan
MOST REV. PEDRO D. ARIGO, D.D., Vicariate of Puerto Princesa
MOST REV. BUENAVENTURA M. FAMADICO, D.D., Bishop of Gumaca
MOST REV. BERNARDINO C. CORTEZ, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
MOST REV. RICARDO L. BACCAY, D.D., Bishop of Tuguegarao
MOST REV. PABLO VIRGILIO S. DAVID, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga
MOST REV. FRANCISCO C. SAN DIEGO, D.D., Bishop of Pasig
MOST REV. FRANCISCO F. CLAVER, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Bontoc-Lagawe
MOST REV. ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO, OMI, D.D., Archbishop of Cotabato
MOST REV. LUIS ANTONIO G. TAGLE, D.D., STD, Bishop of Imus
MOST REV. JUAN DE DIOS M. PUEBLOS, D.D., Bishop of Butuan
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
God Hears the Cries of the Poor
(cf. Exodus 3,7-9)
Concluding Statement of the CBCP on the Second National Rural Congress
Poverty is a reality that pervades our beloved country. It is experienced all over the land but is especially felt in the rural sector. Poverty in the Philippines remains predominantly rural and development projects have not significantly improved the lives of the rural poor. In fact we can never solve poverty in the urban centers unless poverty in the countryside is seriously and systematically addressed. Hence 40 years after the National Rural Congress of 1967, we bishops in our pastoral statement "The Dignity of the Rural Poor" of January 2007 called for a Second National Rural Congress (NRC II) to hear the cries of the poor in the rural areas. Pope
Benedict XVI reminds us in his message on the World Day of Peace of this year that fighting poverty is a means of building peace. So to address poverty benefits not only the poor but the whole nation.
The Journey of NRC II
The Second National Rural Congress (NRC II) consisted of more than 50 Diocesan and 13 Sub-Regional Consultations conducted through November 2007 to March 2008. Afterwards, five Regional Rural Congresses were convened in April - June 2008. These consultations led up to a National Conference on 7-8 July 2008 held in San Carlos Seminary, Makati. All these activities gave the opportunity to the rural poor to articulate their concerns and for the Church in various levels to listen and discern her specific role in accompanying them on their journey.
A parallel track of several researches, seminars, and high-level caucuses was completed during the same period. These activities involved the academe, media, civil society, government officials and the bishops themselves. Various position papers and statements were compiled to aid and supplement the consultations that came about in the NRC II process.
We thank all the groups who participated and who contributed to the realization of the long process of the congress. This is a great sign of common concern for the rural poor who unfortunately are among the least noticed and least served in our society.
Voices of the Rural Poor
The researches, consultations and dialogues unearthed several causes of rural poverty. Foremost is the lack of serious implementation of laws and policies designed to address asset reforms to promote social justice. Inadequate resources and capacities to provide basic services were also mentioned. Other major concerns were the prevailing graft and corruption
and a sense of helplessness – that there is nothing anyone can do to change the situation. The extensive presence of extractive industries, foremost of which is large scale mining, destroys the environment which directly impacts the poor. On the other hand, it was recognized that the rural poor need to discern more their rights and responsibilities as citizens and as children of God. Five basic sectors articulated the complex challenges they face today.
Small Farmers and Landless Workers: They are the rural sector that today has the single most urgent claim on the conscience of the nation whose most pressing need is land reform. Academic studies and numerous documentations by civil society have attested to the significant contribution of agrarian reform in reducing poverty, creating opportunities for growth leading towards sustainable development. These gains must not only be protected and sustained, but expanded to cover all legitimate beneficiaries of agrarian reform. Despite efforts to raise these concerns we are saddened to find that elected representatives do not heed the voices of their poor constituents.
The small farmers call for basic services in the development of the countryside, such as irrigation systems, farm to market roads, lending facilities, and access to the market. The farmers in many places are suffering from large scale mining and the continuous conversion
of agricultural lands to non-agricultural use to avoid being covered by the land reform program.
Fisherfolk: They call for the strict implementation of the Fisheries Code, including its review to address loopholes in its implementation. The fisherfolk also identify specific issues such as limited access to municipal waters, pollution of our waters, the practice of destructive and illegal fishing methods, and the encroachment by commercial trawlers into municipal waters. They further call for more programs that would enhance the capacities of their sector. They reiterate the need to promote the sustainable utilization of natural resources in our seas, rivers and lakes, including the establishment of sanctuaries where marine life can regenerate itself.
Indigenous People : They demand the recognition of the customary laws and culture of the indigenous people (IP) communities, the intensified implementation and review of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA), the recognition of the continuing threat to their communities posed by destructive mining and logging activities, by armed conflict between
the rebels and the military and by the entrance of companies causing their displacement, the watered-down application of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, and the strengthening of the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) so that it truly represent the interests of the indigenous peoples and not the foreigners and big business
enterprises.
Rural Women: They insist on the need to protect and uphold the welfare and rights of women through the enhancement of Filipino values of family and moral responsibility. They also appeal to all concerned agencies to provide more support to respond to the special needs of women, such as the issues of domestic violence, access to basic social services, livelihood,
health, natural family planning, continuing formation of conscience in regard to the right to life, and awareness building on women’s rights.
Rural Youth: They seek more effective pastoral care to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the youth. They ask that the Church and academe reinforce their programs on spiritual and values formation, in order to equip the youth with proper guidance and opportunities to lead them in their growing and maturing years. They request that we promote
education in terms of tertiary or technical-vocational training to prepare them for meaningful livelihood or employment.
Our Commitments
Scripture warns us: "He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard" (Prov. 21,13). Impelled by the voices of the rural poor and guided by the social teachings of the Church on justice, preferential option for the poor and the common good, we make the following resolutions:
We continue to put in place venues for dialogue, where the poor can interact with the Bishops and other leaders of the Catholic Church. We shall activate specialized desks within church structures that would help the rural poor at the parish, diocesan, regional and national levels.
We shall intensify our engagement with our public officials in the legislation and implementation of social justice measures, as we did with a letter addressed to Congress asking for CARP extension with reform.
We shall capacitate the people in the rural areas by the continuous work of organizing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and groups that are conscious of their rights and duties and help each other to work for integral development in the light of the Gospel of Christ.
We shall encourage our lay faithful to intensify their fight against graft and corruption, and accompany upright public officials in their efforts to serve the people in transparency and truth.
We shall direct Church institutions and organizations to be more engaged in works of solidarity, justice and charity for the poor in rural areas. We shall also call on them to be more actively engaged in protecting and promoting the integrity of creation.
Finally, we shall strive to be faithful to live out our mission as the Church of the Poor—a Church which is both engaged in the work of integral evangelization, as well as in Social Reform. Such actions emanate from the Pauline vision of "uniting all things under Christ" (Eph 1:10) -- to engage the world as we bear witness to the plight of the poor, through profound conversion and renewal as People of God.
We are a people of hope. Our faith bids us to rely on Our Father who is Lord of History. His Kingdom will surely come when "love and truth will meet; justice and peace will embrace" (Ps 85,11).
Therefore sustained by our faith that God loves the poor, we entrust these commitments under the care and guidance of Mary, the Comforter of the Afflicted and Mother of Hope.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines,
+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP
January 25, 2009
(cf. Exodus 3,7-9)
Concluding Statement of the CBCP on the Second National Rural Congress
Poverty is a reality that pervades our beloved country. It is experienced all over the land but is especially felt in the rural sector. Poverty in the Philippines remains predominantly rural and development projects have not significantly improved the lives of the rural poor. In fact we can never solve poverty in the urban centers unless poverty in the countryside is seriously and systematically addressed. Hence 40 years after the National Rural Congress of 1967, we bishops in our pastoral statement "The Dignity of the Rural Poor" of January 2007 called for a Second National Rural Congress (NRC II) to hear the cries of the poor in the rural areas. Pope
Benedict XVI reminds us in his message on the World Day of Peace of this year that fighting poverty is a means of building peace. So to address poverty benefits not only the poor but the whole nation.
The Journey of NRC II
The Second National Rural Congress (NRC II) consisted of more than 50 Diocesan and 13 Sub-Regional Consultations conducted through November 2007 to March 2008. Afterwards, five Regional Rural Congresses were convened in April - June 2008. These consultations led up to a National Conference on 7-8 July 2008 held in San Carlos Seminary, Makati. All these activities gave the opportunity to the rural poor to articulate their concerns and for the Church in various levels to listen and discern her specific role in accompanying them on their journey.
A parallel track of several researches, seminars, and high-level caucuses was completed during the same period. These activities involved the academe, media, civil society, government officials and the bishops themselves. Various position papers and statements were compiled to aid and supplement the consultations that came about in the NRC II process.
We thank all the groups who participated and who contributed to the realization of the long process of the congress. This is a great sign of common concern for the rural poor who unfortunately are among the least noticed and least served in our society.
Voices of the Rural Poor
The researches, consultations and dialogues unearthed several causes of rural poverty. Foremost is the lack of serious implementation of laws and policies designed to address asset reforms to promote social justice. Inadequate resources and capacities to provide basic services were also mentioned. Other major concerns were the prevailing graft and corruption
and a sense of helplessness – that there is nothing anyone can do to change the situation. The extensive presence of extractive industries, foremost of which is large scale mining, destroys the environment which directly impacts the poor. On the other hand, it was recognized that the rural poor need to discern more their rights and responsibilities as citizens and as children of God. Five basic sectors articulated the complex challenges they face today.
Small Farmers and Landless Workers: They are the rural sector that today has the single most urgent claim on the conscience of the nation whose most pressing need is land reform. Academic studies and numerous documentations by civil society have attested to the significant contribution of agrarian reform in reducing poverty, creating opportunities for growth leading towards sustainable development. These gains must not only be protected and sustained, but expanded to cover all legitimate beneficiaries of agrarian reform. Despite efforts to raise these concerns we are saddened to find that elected representatives do not heed the voices of their poor constituents.
The small farmers call for basic services in the development of the countryside, such as irrigation systems, farm to market roads, lending facilities, and access to the market. The farmers in many places are suffering from large scale mining and the continuous conversion
of agricultural lands to non-agricultural use to avoid being covered by the land reform program.
Fisherfolk: They call for the strict implementation of the Fisheries Code, including its review to address loopholes in its implementation. The fisherfolk also identify specific issues such as limited access to municipal waters, pollution of our waters, the practice of destructive and illegal fishing methods, and the encroachment by commercial trawlers into municipal waters. They further call for more programs that would enhance the capacities of their sector. They reiterate the need to promote the sustainable utilization of natural resources in our seas, rivers and lakes, including the establishment of sanctuaries where marine life can regenerate itself.
Indigenous People : They demand the recognition of the customary laws and culture of the indigenous people (IP) communities, the intensified implementation and review of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA), the recognition of the continuing threat to their communities posed by destructive mining and logging activities, by armed conflict between
the rebels and the military and by the entrance of companies causing their displacement, the watered-down application of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, and the strengthening of the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) so that it truly represent the interests of the indigenous peoples and not the foreigners and big business
enterprises.
Rural Women: They insist on the need to protect and uphold the welfare and rights of women through the enhancement of Filipino values of family and moral responsibility. They also appeal to all concerned agencies to provide more support to respond to the special needs of women, such as the issues of domestic violence, access to basic social services, livelihood,
health, natural family planning, continuing formation of conscience in regard to the right to life, and awareness building on women’s rights.
Rural Youth: They seek more effective pastoral care to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the youth. They ask that the Church and academe reinforce their programs on spiritual and values formation, in order to equip the youth with proper guidance and opportunities to lead them in their growing and maturing years. They request that we promote
education in terms of tertiary or technical-vocational training to prepare them for meaningful livelihood or employment.
Our Commitments
Scripture warns us: "He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard" (Prov. 21,13). Impelled by the voices of the rural poor and guided by the social teachings of the Church on justice, preferential option for the poor and the common good, we make the following resolutions:
We continue to put in place venues for dialogue, where the poor can interact with the Bishops and other leaders of the Catholic Church. We shall activate specialized desks within church structures that would help the rural poor at the parish, diocesan, regional and national levels.
We shall intensify our engagement with our public officials in the legislation and implementation of social justice measures, as we did with a letter addressed to Congress asking for CARP extension with reform.
We shall capacitate the people in the rural areas by the continuous work of organizing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and groups that are conscious of their rights and duties and help each other to work for integral development in the light of the Gospel of Christ.
We shall encourage our lay faithful to intensify their fight against graft and corruption, and accompany upright public officials in their efforts to serve the people in transparency and truth.
We shall direct Church institutions and organizations to be more engaged in works of solidarity, justice and charity for the poor in rural areas. We shall also call on them to be more actively engaged in protecting and promoting the integrity of creation.
Finally, we shall strive to be faithful to live out our mission as the Church of the Poor—a Church which is both engaged in the work of integral evangelization, as well as in Social Reform. Such actions emanate from the Pauline vision of "uniting all things under Christ" (Eph 1:10) -- to engage the world as we bear witness to the plight of the poor, through profound conversion and renewal as People of God.
We are a people of hope. Our faith bids us to rely on Our Father who is Lord of History. His Kingdom will surely come when "love and truth will meet; justice and peace will embrace" (Ps 85,11).
Therefore sustained by our faith that God loves the poor, we entrust these commitments under the care and guidance of Mary, the Comforter of the Afflicted and Mother of Hope.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines,
+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP
January 25, 2009
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