Farmers Join Anti-Mining Rally in Makati

    On March 26, the farmers joined the anti-mining rally in Makati dubbed as “Mina ni Gloria, Krisis ng Masa!”  The said activity, initiated by the Alyansa Tigl Mina (ATM), was participated by various sectors aside from the farmers including IPs, youth, women and children, students, fisherfolks, people’s organizations, and non-government organizations.  It condemned the preferential mining policy of the government over communities and their environment.

 The farmers, especially those from Calatagan, expressed their opposition to the current mining policy of the administration as it adversely affects the various communities on the pertinent land, including the farmers who are depending on the land as their only source of livelihood.  312 Calatagan farmers, whose 507-hectare land has long been awarded to them by virtue of PD 27 in the 1970’s, fear that they will be evicted from their very own land.  Despite the land being classified as agricultural with farmers owning titles to the land and the same being devoted to agricultural production, the DENR is saying the agricultural lands of Barangays Baha and Talibayog in Calatagan are “mineral”.  The Supreme Court made a pronouncement saying that the farmers’ awarded land was erroneously distributed under the Marcos-period land reform program. 

To this, farmer Zaldy Castrojeres stated, “We tilled the land for more than 10 years and we have already paid for it.  The land is rightfully ours.”  Hence, the farmers are calling for the indefeasibility of the titles given to farmers, namely the Emancipation Patent (EP) under PD 27 and Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) under RA 6657.  In this manner, the titles shall become incontrovertible one year after registration of their titles at the Register of Deeds.  The farmers further demand the government to affirm the agricultural classification of the lands in Baha and Talibayog for the same have always been and continue to be agricultural.

After the farmers expressed solidarity with their fellow anti-mining advocates, they proceeded to the PhilamLife Theater at UN Avenue to watch the movie Lupang Hinarang with their supporters. This film screening of internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Ditsi Carolino’s latest documentary film was attended by, among others, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo. After the screening, the farmers and members of their support groups shared updates regarding the Citizens’ Campaign for CARP Extension with Reforms. Bishop Pabillo gave encouragement to the farmers and assured them that the bishops will always be with them in pushing for their cause, fighting for their rights and praying that the Constitutional mandate of agrarian reform will be fulfilled.

In Romblon, the local government officials of the municipalities of Magdiwang, Banton, Calatrava, Romblon, Sta. Maria, Carcuera, San Agustin, Agripa and Odiongan, showed their strong support to the extension and reform of CARP and signed the Citizens’ Petition calling for the enactment by Cognress of House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666.