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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.#
Showing posts with label Farmers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farmers. Show all posts
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Militants, farmers press passage of Agrarian Reform bill
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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
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)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
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 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
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
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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