Sumilao Farmer Speaks on CARPER Before JIL Crowd in Araneta Coliseum

The farmers participated in the launching of “Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino” Movement last March 28, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum which was filled by thousands of JIL followers.  The movement was a reinvention of Bangon Pilipinas Party, the political party of Jesus is Lord (JIL) evangelist Eduardo “Brother Eddie” Villanueva during the 2004 elections.

Further, the farmers also took part in the symbolic sending of Brother Eddie to the stage where representatives of multi-sectoral groups walked with him towards the stage.  One of the farmers, Yoyong Merida from Sumilao, was also given an opportunity to address the huge JIL crowd and gave a brief talk on the cause of the farmers and their present campaign for the enactment of the pending bill in Congress to extend and reform CARP.  The huge crowd welcomed and applauded the farmers’ presence and participation in the launch of the movement.

The organizers of the event also coordinated the signature campaign for CARPER initiated by the farmers among those who participated in the movement.  The organizers also promised that the movement’s support for the farmers does not end at the Araneta event, but they will continue helping out the farmers in their signature campaign in their several local churches.  It is to be remembered that Brother Eddie and the JIL movement has actively shown support to the farmers and for the passage of the CARPER Bill in Congress. 

During the launch of the movement, Brother Eddie offered a seven-point roadmap for national recovery.  Aside from the farmers, several personalities also spoke before the crowd to support the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement.  Among them were Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Leah Navarro, Josie Lichauco, Roy Seneres, Perfecto Yasay and Mayor Jonjon Villanueva.  Special numbers were also given by Gary Granada and Noel Cabangon.