Manila Mayor Lim Expresses Support for CARPER

In the morning of March 23, Monday, the farmers went to the Manila City Hall to ask for the support of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and to seek the support of the employees at the City Hall and the students in the surrounding universities and colleges. The farmers were able to gather signatures from Manila residents and visitors as well, after they explained what their campaign is all about and how CARP is important for all Filipino citizens.

On their way to the City Hall, some members of the Manila Police expressed support for the farmers whom they have recognized to be peaceful advocates for social justice and even escorted them until they have entered the building. Several students from the City College of Manila expressed support for the farmers’ cause while some employees at the City Hall were initially hesitant to sign the petition. They, however, became supportive after the farmers answered their questions about the agrarian reform program and the reforms needed to perfect it.

Ms. Balbastro of the Central Maintenance Office told the farmers they may stay in the inner court of the City Hall and provided shade and chairs for them. The farmers stayed in that area while waiting for the 1:30pm meeting with Mayor Lim.

At the meeting, Mayor Lim warmly welcomed the farmers and listened to them speak about their campaign for the enactment of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666. After the farmers from Sumilao, Banasi, and Calatagan shared their stories, Mayor Lim said he will always be supportive of the farmers and will talk to his Senator-friends to help them understand better the farmers’ cause.

Lim said, “Dapat lang naman talagang isabatas ‘yan. Maganda at makatarungang programa (iyan).” Lim agreed with the farmers when they said that the failures of the DAR in the implementation of the program should not be taken against the beneficiaries. He also commented, referring to the plight of the Calatagan Farmers, “Ang titulo, hindi na dapat ma-kansela iyan, lalo na kung nakapagbayad na ng buo (ang mga magsasaka).”

The meeting ended with Mayor Lim saying that the farmers can rest assured that he is one with the Bishops in pushing for the extension and reform of CARP.