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Nov. 28 update: The ranks of the Sumilao farmers have grown thicker as they walked from Lucena City to Tiaong. This is because various peasant organizations in Quezon province joined the Sumilao farmers to show their solidarity, and to express to the government that they have the same sentiments as that of the Sumilao farmers. They too want to have a land of their own to till and cultivate. The overwhelming support that the Sumilao farmers in their walk to Tiaong was not surprising because from the time they entered the province of Quezon, the basic sectors, especially the peasant groups, have been in the forefront of expressing their all out support. But the convergence of the various groups and their joining the march during the last leg touched the Sumilao farmers. "I am confident that, with the support we have received from the time we left our barangay in Bukidnon until now, we will be successful in our struggle this time," said Danny Buclasan, one of the Sumilao marchers. Quezon province is known for having vast areas of coconut plantations. It is in fact known as the country's leading producer of coconut products such as coconut oil and copra. Hence, the province also has numerous coconut farmers and farm workers, who organized themselves to form a solid collective to push for the serious implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which until now is not fully implemented. "We have joined the ranks of Toto Merida and his fellow Sumilao farmers because we sincerely feel that like us they have legitimate issues which the government should address immediately," said the leaders of Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Palayan at Niyugan (SAMPAN). Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law is considered a social justice legislation that is supposed to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of the farmers, particularly those who are landless. Unfortunately, the law is being used, from its enactment, by those who are influential and who are in power, for their personal benefits. Worst, the prime government agency that is entrusted for the implementation of the law seemed to be in rubbing elbows with the said few influential individuals. The Sumilao farmers left Lucena City with confidence and gratitude of the support they received. These were manifested with their physical presence during the walk, organizing and coordinating with various LGUs and other like-minded groups/supporters, and donations. They left Lucena City early in the morning. While on their way, different groups await and joined them, and the ranks of the marchers have grown thicker as people gradually joined in. The weather was good and cooperated with the jubilant mood of the marchers. During the march, they were also escorted by the PNP of Lucena City and Candelaria. Sirens of their motorcycles echoed the roads as they continuously guided the marchers for yesterday's route. Support groups likewise assisted the Sumilao farmers in distributing leaflets and other reading materials related to the cause and struggle of the latter. They did not encounter any difficulty distributing said reading materials because by-standers and motorists themselves were asking for a copy. In fact, a lot of by-standers gave them short messages of support and solidarity and promised that they will pray for the Sumilao farmers and other landless farmers in the country. More than 3,000 leaflets printed by BALAOD Mindanaw and PAKISAMA have been distributed all throughout their walk from Lucena City until they reach the municipality of Tiaong. Up till now, donations of clothes, medicines, sacks of rice, different groceries, and others were overflowing. According to Danny Buclasan, the donations they received could certainly sustain the meals of the Sumilao farmers at least for the next few days. The farmers are very grateful with all the support they keep on receiving since the start of the campaign. However, what they need is beyond the foods and other forms of donations to keep them healthy all throughout their walk. They need a land they can consider as theirs; their own land that they can freely till and develop. And they are asking what is legally theirs – the 144-hectare agricultural land in Sumilao, Bukidnon. Call of the Sumilao Farmers: Revoke the Conversion Order which allowed the Land Conversion! Enraged by the evils that Quisumbing and Cojuangco have committed, the Sumilao farmers, led by 78 MAPALAD farmers, together with 90 SALFA landless farmers, filed a Petition for the Cancellation of the Conversion Order before the DAR Secretary on 3 November 2004. The petition is based on the following grounds:
It is worth mentioning that the present petition does not assail the previous Supreme Court decision approving the Conversion Order as it has already gained finality. On the contrary, the Sumilao farmers contend that the conditions of the Conversion Order were willfully breached by the grantee manifesting its incapability to implement the authorized land use plan. Hence, the cancellation of the Conversion Order is but proper. Support Groups
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