BMFI

Jan. 14 update:
Malaybalay, Bukidnon Bishop issues Pastoral Letter
in Support of the Sumilao farmers

[Read full text of pastoral letter here.]

Amidst the apparent inaction of government to pursue the distribution of the 144-hectare Sumilao land to the protesting farmers, Malaybalay, Bukidnon Bishop Honesto Pacana issued a pastoral letter to his Diocese expressing his support for the cause of the Sumilao farmers. Addressing the faithful of Bukidnon in his pastoral letter date January 13, 2008 Bishop Pacana reminded them that “over and above legalities, the Sumilao concern is a moral one” because ‘it is about the dignity of the human person” and about “justice and human rights.” Talking about the cause of the Sumilao farmers, Bishop Pacana’s pastoral said that “It is about their right to be heard. It is about a people fighting for freedom, refusing to be controlled by external dictates, struggling to stand up, for the right to determine his own future.”

Bishop Pacana said that the Sumilao farmers have shown that it is not right “for the rich to own everything and let the poor remain slaves to the caprices and whims of "good and generous" employers.” Exhorting his flock, Bishop Pacana said “My dear People, let not apathy, cynicism, faithlessness, hopelessness or pessimism grip our hearts! We are Christians, people of hope.”

He also praised the Sumilao farmer’s sacrifices as “an exemplar of the indomitable Filipino spirit.” Bishop Pacana has been the Bishop of Malaybalay since March 24, 1994 when he succeeded Bishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. The Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon was established first as a prelature in April 25, 1969 with Bishop Francisco Claver as its first bishop. All three bishops are very vocal supporters of the Sumilao farmers.

Bro. IJ Chan Gonzaga SJ of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan said that the pastoral letter is a very important expression of the support of the bishop to the cause of the Sumilao farmers. “It is a letter or exhortation a pastor addressed to his flock pertaining concerns that affect or should affect the faithful” Chan-Gonzaga said.

Atty. Arlene Bag-ao said that the pastoral letter issued by the bishop of Bukidnon reiterates to the public what the Sumilao case is. “The pastoral letter of Bishop Pacana on the Sumilao issue proves that the cause of the Sumilao farmers do not only stand on solid legal grounds but also has a strong moral foundation.”

Napoleon Merida Jr., president of the San Vicente Landless Farmers Association (SALFA) said that the news of the Bishop’s pastoral letter encouraged and inspired the Sumilao farmers to persevere despite the lack of action from the government. “We cannot give up on a cause that is both just and moral. We will endure whatever difficulties that will stand in our way. What is important for us right now is to know that the law is on our side and that what we are fighting for is just in the eyes of the Church.”