BMFI

DAY 5 (Oct. 14) UPDATE
By-standers' words of encouragement and solidarity filled the marchers' heart

Physically exhausted but still determined to continue displaying their anguish and disgust with the inefficiency of the Department of Agrarian Reform in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), particularly on their plights, the Sumilao farmers again marked their footprints on the streets of Kinoguitan, Balingoan, Talisayan and Medina. Oct. 14 is the Sumilao farmers' 5th day of march.

It was still dawn, 4:15 a.m. to be exact, when the Sumilao farmers started their 5th day on the streets. They left Kinoguitan with a very limited rest, with nothing but coffee and bread for their breakfast. Before sunrise, the 54 farmers and some other support groups started the 30-kilometer walk on their way to Medina.

Walking all day long under the heat of the sun and rain could be a long and tiring journey, especially if there is uncertainty if the Philippine government would bother to hear their cries. But the solidarity from other farmer organizations and support groups to their cause gave the farmers high spirits to continue their walk to Manila. The by-standers and residents of the four municipalities they have passed expressed their warmest support. It filled their hearts with inspiration as they realized, indeed, they are not alone in their cause.

Some showed their support through giving donations directly to the farmers while walking. These include bread, ice water and other beverages, chants and support cries and others. Some even joined them in some parts of the leg. There were private vehicles, too, that stopped and handed the farmers their contributions, and showed their support by the blowing of their vehicles’ horns.

The marchers had their lunch in Brgy. Sta. Ines, Talisayan Parish Church. Together with the locals and Balay Mindanaw SIADOs, they feasted with the food prepared by the locals – kinilaw na tamban, pritong tamban, mixed vegetables and pancit.

Likewise, during their walk, Ka Tessie, one of the Sumilao marchers, almost fainted as her body struggled with blisters and fatigue as a consequence of five days of walking. Some even felt sick and suffered from minor health problems. But the marchers themselves addressed and resolved these situations. Each and everyone provided health and moral assistance to everyone.

At 5 p.m., the parish priest in Medina conducted a Mass primarily to bless the marchers and inspire them to continue their cause.

The marchers observed that on their whole day walk, they were being monitored. A motorcycle with suspicious-looking character on board passed the marchers twice, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A news came that Malacañang would like to ensure if there's really a pilgrimage and if the people are really walking – another disgusting manner of addressing the concerns of the farmers by the current administration.

They were able to reach their target destination at around 4:30 p.m.. Unlike the previous days, this time, they will have a longer time to rest.

Meanwhile, news of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to Butuan City on Oct. 17 reached the farmers. They discussed whether or not to send representatives from their group to have an audience with the President. But at the end of the day, they all decided that it will not do good especially when the Office of the President welcomed the Sumilao farmers on their first day of walk with a decision dismissing their appeal for revocation of the conversion order in favor of the Quisumbings and Cojuangcos on the basis that the Sumilao farmers have no legal standing to file an appeal. They have agreed that the march will continue as originally planned and no Pontious Pilate will change their itineraries unless they receive a true and honest action from the present administration that the disputed 144-hectare land will be given to them and their families.

The Sumilao Farmers would like to thank those who took part during the early part of their march these past few days -- from the small donations coming from the by-standers and residents of the municipalities they have passed, to the hospitality of their hosts and the unwavering support of other groups. The farmer organizations in the three municipalities were all well-organized in their welcome to the farmers and the marchers were grateful for their hospitality. Likewise, the marchers will always remember the unwavering support of the BMFI SIADOs in this leg.

There are no shortcuts as they continue their journey to Manila. But the path they are taking is a legacy and clear manifestation that the Filipino farmers are sick and tired of the apathy of the Philippine government to their plights.

On their way to Manila, the support they received from the Filipino people in Kinoguitan, Talisayan and Medina will always be with them…

Kaka / Normie