Posts
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.”
###
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
