A GROUP of farmers in Northern Mindanao on Wednesday, August 30, took to the streets to back the confirmation of Rafael Mariano as secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Northern Mindanao Region (KMP-NMR) led some 300 farmers across the region in a show of force if only to ensure Mariano's confirmation as they held a vigil in front of the DAR regional office in Macanhan, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, on Tuesday night, August 29.
A march rally was held the following day at Magsaysay Park in downtown Divisoria.
"Nagsugod among activity sa vigil Martes sa gabii then march rally pagkabuntag sa Miyerkules aron ipakita ang suporta nga ma-confirm si Mariano as DAR secretary," Ireneo Udarbe, KMP-NMR secretary general, said.
Udarbe said they are apprehensive that Mariano would face the same fate experienced by social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo when the latter was apparently dropped by the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Udarbe said they worry that the CA have planned to reject Mariano's appointment as they learned that the CA moved the supposed hearing on Thursday, August 30 to September 5.
"Nakita nato nga gusto tagakon si Mariano sa CA sa senado ngano ilang gi-postpone ang hearing. Atong analysis ana pangitaan nila og bikil si Mariano," Udarbe said.
The farmers in the region, Udarbe said, want Mariano to stay as he’s the only DAR secretary in the history who had brought changes and direction in the agency.
The farmer leader said a number of farmers in the region have received Certificate of Land Ownership Award (Cloa) during Mariano's leadership, adding it also the opened the gates of DAR and welcomes the farmers who want their concerns addressed.
Udarbe said the DAR secretary initiated consultations with the farmers so as their grievances are heard.
"Si Mariano ang nag-abli sa pultahan sa DAR aron madunggan ang mga mag-uuma. Daghan nahatagan sa Cloa. Daghan natigayon nga mga consultation sa mga mag-uuma," Udarbe said.
Udarbe added, "Mas daghan pa siya mahimo kung magpabilin siya busa magpadayon ang among suporta aron magpabilin siya nga secretary sa DAR."