BMFI

MORE DAY 6 (Oct. 15) UPDATE
Sumilao Farmers: Never been stronger and determined
By Kaka / Normie

Filled with high spirits because of the inspirations they received from the by-standers and motorists yesterday on their way to Medina, the Sumilao Farmers woke up at 3 a.m., packed and started their daily rituals – stretching, orientation and a cup of coffee. They were once again alive and kicking for another day's walk. Determined to continue their cause of action, as a battalion and at 4:15 a.m., they marched to Gingoog.

They reached Brgy. Badyongon at 7:00 a.m. and there, they had their breakfast. The Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) staff in Gingoog, together with the foundation's partner organizations, prepared fried fish, scrambled egg and rice for the marchers' breakfast. Then they set their feet on the road of the municipality of Medina and City of Gingoog. As usual, in the whole stretch of their journey, by-standers and motorists were continuously giving support they can extend from their pockets. Likewise, words of encouragement and inspiration were always ringing on their way to Gingoog.

Before lunch time, they reached Brgy. Poblacion, Gingoog City. It was deliberate that for this day, they will travel a shorter distance of 15 kilometers. They decided to conduct a lightning rally within the vicinity of the bus terminal. The people were surprised when they learned that the Sumilao farmers were from Bukidnon and that they planned to reach Malacañang by walking. From the bus terminal, they headed off to Balay Gingoog (Branch office of BMFI).

The Sumilao farmers had their community sharing with the partner people's organizations of BMFI in Gingoog. There they shared what had transpired, why they decided to go out on the streets and stage a 60-day march going to Malacañang. Since most of the audience in the said community who shared were also farmers, the latter shared the same sentiments and concerns.

In the afternoon, the marchers went on their respective ways to spend their free time. Some went to church and seek the continued guidance of Almighty God. They even prayed for the safety of their families left in Sumilao. Now that they are far from their families and cannot provide their everyday needs, they were praying that their decision to leave their families and farm could lead to far-reaching implication as they intend to provide a long-term solution to resolve their problems. That someday, they will till the land that is legally theirs.

On the sixth day of their march, they were finally able to wash their used clothing and excited to wear clean outfits for the next day's walk.

Ka Rene Penas, one of the Sumilao farmers, maximized his free time to visit DXRD, a local radio station in Gingoog City to educate the public on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and their struggle for more than one decade.

Soon before bedtime, the Sumilao farmers once again convened and had their assessment. The leaders of the marchers observed that farmers are getting more energetic and determined. Leadership potentials of some farmers are now prevalent compared before. If before they were merely expectators and followers, this time, initiatives and teamwork surround the environment of the marchers. Everyone is now cracking their brains on how to improve their security, coordination and campaign strategies. Some of them are likewise starting to write their everyday feelings and experiences. They decided to document their personal struggles and have an everyday journal.

The new attitude of the Sumilao farmers is from the inspirations they receive everyday while walking. For this day, they want to express their gratefulness to BMFI Gingoog ABOT, Father Joel Lozar and the POs who gave warm welcome and hospitality. The malongs and long sleeves given by Myrna Sioce of Conversation, Cagayan de Oro are truly a great help for the marchers. And finally, the Sumilao farmers are now ensured to be free from various ailments as Ms. Emma Rosiolado donated assorted medicines they can use while walking. And of course, the unexpected donations given by the by-standers and motorists during the whole stretch of the Medina-Gingoog journey.

Tomorrow, stronger and more determined farmers will be felt in the streets and roads of Gingoog and the municipality of Magsaysay.

They are not afraid with the surveillance the authorities are sending. It will not hinder them from continuing their cause. Whoever is responsible in sending this “Masked Rider” in black motorcycle should stop this nonsense and lowly tactics.