|
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sumilao farmers reclaim disputed land
MANILA -- "Today our exodus ends, today we finally become tillers of the land we own since the beginning."
This was the statement made by Sumilao farmers after forging an agreement with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) officials on Saturday afternoon at San Carlos Seminary Complex in Makati City, giving back the ownership of 50 hectares of the 144 hectares contested property.
2007 bar results
The food and beverage firm will also provide 94 hectares of land outside the disputed property to complete the claims of the Sumilao farmers.
SMC already acquired the property, which is located beside the contested land.
"The farmers have agreed to accept the formula of 50 hectares inside the original property and 94 hectares outside. The Deed of Donation giving the 50 hectares to the farmers was also signed by San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI)," the two parties, in a joint statement said. SMFI is a subsidiary of the SMC.
The farmers will get a total of 144 hectares, which is equivalent in size to the original property they seek. They are presently identifying their preferred parcels of land outside the original property from a list given to them by SMC.
The agreement was signed by Ramon Ang and Francisco Alejo for SMC and SMFI; Antonio Medina for the NQSR Management and Development Corp.; Samuel Merida, Larry Carejo, Mercy Serona, and Napoleon Merida Jr. for the Sumilao farmers; and Secretary Nasser Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Secretary Conrado Limcaoco Jr. of the Office of the President for government.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo were among those who signed as witnesses.
Other witnesses to the signing are Sumilao farmers' consultant Christian Monsod, Sumilao lawyer Arlene Bag-ao and SMFI legal counsel Wilfredo Peñaflor.
The DAR has conducted technical survey delineating the 50 hectares to be given to the Sumilao farmers and is also determining which parcels of land within the vicinity of the original property can be acquired by SMC for distribution.
The DAR and the Catholic Church will also identify deserving farmers that will have a land of their own, which they can till.
"We are happy that we've reached this favorable decision. Our intention in acquiring the Sumilao property is not to hurt the farmers but to help them. Our partnership with them (farmers) does not end here, our company will continue to help them," Ang said.
For his part, Cardinal Rosales expressed gratitude to the SMFI officials for understanding the needs of the farmers.
Rosales also praised the perseverance of the farmers and for not succumbing to vicious ways to be able to claim their land.
The farmers, on the other hand, stated that they still believe in the law of this land, which they once thought is only for the rich and powerful.
"On the eve of our taking possession of our land and as we celebrate the end of our exodus, we are aware that the system that has dispossessed us of our land, the system that worked against us and allowed the injustices that were committed against us, still remains intact," the farmers, in the manifesto said.
Both parties paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang after the signing. They presented her with a copy of the settlement agreement and thanked the President for her "support."
"All won"
The Malacañang exulted that "all protagonists in Sumilao mess have won."
"SMC will be able to continue with their project and has also clearly demonstrated that it is a corporation with social responsibility. The farmers will get the land they have sacrificed and worked for through many years with a promise of a better life for their families," a palace statement said.
"Government has demonstrated its commitment to land reform and social justice, and that it is a government that cares for the poor and is committed to fighting poverty. The church, led by Cardinal Rosales played its role as a church of the poor and peacemaker on earth. Much can be done if we work together," it added.
Malacañang said that with the agreement signed by representatives of the Sumilao farmers SMC and SMFI, the Sumilao land case is finally headed for a just resolution.
The dropping of all pending cases by all parties is also part of the agreement.
The farmers are set to fly back to Mindanao on Sunday as President Arroyo has offered to use the C130 plane to transport them back to Bukidnon.
The farmers are expected to occupy the initial 50 hectares within the SMFI property in a few days. (FP/JMR/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (March 30, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
2 from Cebu land in Bar's top 10