BMFI

Sumilao farmers update
Sworn to Justice 2

27 October 2007

Originally, the Sumilao farmers planned to negotiate the roads from the municipality of Silago to Abuyog. But due to some circumstances that happened on the previous day, they decided to devote the whole day for their rest.

While resting, they conducted a 4-hour reflection session. During the meeting they further strengthened their ranks as they assigned point persons for various tasks for the next day’s walk. There was an assurance that starting tomorrow, should problems occur like what had happened to those who fainted during the walk, specific persons will be responsible in attending to this kind of situation. They also clarified the tasks of their leaders.

The whole day was likewise devoted to attend to the needs of those who became physically weak, particularly the four who fainted the previous day. In the case of Elgine Merida, who became unconscious, intravenous fluid (dextrose) was used.

While some were attending to the medical concerns of the others, some attended to their personal needs, like washing their dirty laundry, bathing and others.

28 October 2007

The following day, the Sumilao farmers traversed the roads from the municipality of Silago to Abuyog with a total of 52 kilometers. So far, this was the longest journey of the marchers. Some farmers also said this was their most difficult walk. They needed to hurry because they were walking in the middle of a rainforest which is believed to be infested with armed rebels.

While walking, for the second time, Elgine Merida and Rosalinda Batasin-in again fainted. This time, a more systematic treatment was done. Dra. Grace Bag-ao immediately gave them first aid treatment. Some men marchers carried them on their way to Abuyog.

They arrived in Abuyog a few minutes past 8 p.m. The farmers settled in a mini open gym in Brgy. Guintagbucan.

The challenges never stop and will continuously hit the Sumilao farmers to test their determination. But they will not rest until justice is served.

At the outset, the conversion of the 144-hectare agricultural land to agro-industrial suffers from serious infirmity. The issue that must first be decided is whether or not a prime agricultural land can be converted into agro-industrial. The findings of fact of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC), Provincial Agricultural Officer and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), confirmed that the area is an efficient agricultural land, which can grow a wide range of crops, not to mention it is irrigated. In addition, the PARC reported having found the following conditions of the 144-hectare land when it conducted the inspection in 1994:

• The area is an efficient agricultural land xxx. The land has to be preserved for agricultural purposes;
   
• The soil of the area is loamy soil and is rich with organic matter which is an indication that the soil is productive;
   
• The land is within the Service Area of Kisolon Communal Irrigation System;
   
• The area has an existing water supply, with irrigation canals and has an Irrigation Association;
   
• The property is included in the 300-hectare service area programmed by the NIA for irrigation.

It is undeniably a prime agricultural land. Being such, it is non-negotiable for conversion in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 54, in relation to Administrative Order No. 20, series of 1992, which states:

"In addition, the following types of agricultural lands shall not be covered by the said reclassification:

1. Agricultural lands distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries;
    
2. Agricultural lands already issued a Notice of Coverage or voluntarily offered for coverage under CARP;
    
3. Agricultural lands identified under AO 20, Series of 1992 as non-negotiable for conversion;
    
4. All irrigated lands where water is available to support rice and other crop production;
    
5. All irrigated lands where water is not available for rice and other crop production

On the previous updates, we forgot to acknowledge the assistance of Fr. Jenor Luis of St. Anne's Parish in Tubay, Agusan del Norte. Fr. Luis facilitated the preparation of the farmers’ meals, accommodation and other concerns.

For this day, the Sumilao farmers would like to thank the continued support of KAISAHAN and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VIII.

Today and Tomorrow

Today they are negotiating the roads from the municipality of Abuyog to Tolosa (approximately 37 kilometers) and tomorrow they will continue to walk from Tolosa to Tacloban (23 kilometers).