Monday, June 11, 2007 Landlords weren't properly compensated in Carp: DLR By Carlo P. Mallo
IT'S not just the farmer beneficiaries who were unhappy with the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp) but land owners too who were not properly compensated in addition to the long processing of government’s release of payment.
Department of Land Reform Southern Mindanao Regional Director Rodolfo Inson said if there will be another extension to Carp, the program should be reviewed and evaluated so as to give the best solution to the nagging problem of agrarian reform.
“Seldom do I see a landlord smiling as his property is being placed under the Carp,” Inson said.
He added that this has been one of the biggest hindrances in the effective and speedy implementation of the Carp.
In an interview with Sun.Star, Inson said there are some provisions in the law that needs to be revised so landlords would not be discouraged from distributing their land.
Inson insisted that the program has benefited the farmers more than the landowners.
He said a big number of farmer beneficiaries have increased their income since they were given their land.
The same cannot be said of the landlords.
Inson asserted that there is a provision in Carp on due compensation for any piece of land that is to be acquired from private ownership.
However, the formula used to determine the value of the land is deemed too low.
Also, the payment scheme that the government utilizes takes a very long time and requires voluminous requirements.
Inson added that the compensation is not paid entirely in cash but also in bonds.
Another provision that Inson has cited is the provision that allows local government units to reclassify the land from agricultural to other kinds, such as industrial or residential.
Inson said it is very difficult for them to strike a balance between the interests of the landowners and the peasants.
However, Inson added, it is the law which should be upheld in the end.
Despite the flaws and loopholes in the program, Inson asserted that they have successfully implemented it.
In previous reports, Inson rebuked criticisms of peasant groups that the DLR has been inutile in fully implementing Carp.
Inson said they have already distributed 96 percent of their target of 214,000 hectares that were to be distributed in the Davao region before the program expires next year.
