The Sumilao farmers, who made the news in 2007 after fighting for their ancestral domain, continued their march caravan in Negros Occidental on Thursday, April 7.
Noland Peñas, one of the leaders of Sumilao farmers and chairperson of PAKISAMA, said they passed through Negros Occidental because it has a huge agrarian reform program backlog. Many beneficiaries already have certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), but have yet to be installed in their lands, he said.
“We want to inspire them, and share our experiences being the Sumilao farmers who now own our land,” he said.
He also said that local farmers were affected by landlord resistance, as there are still many farm workers struggling against this system.
The group is on their way to Metro Manila to campaign for presidential bet and Vice President Leni Robredo who helped their cause before she was elected into public office.
Peñas said they are targeting to complete a 3,000-kilometer 60-day march caravan that started in Sumilao, Bukidnon, on March 28 and is expected to end on April 20 at Kilometer Zero in Luneta Park.
During their visit to Negros Occidental they met with bishops Gerardo Alminaza of the San Carlos Diocese and Patricio Buzon of the Bacolod Diocese, who encouraged them to continue networking with the farmers in other provinces as that is a good way to help each other, Peñas said.
Peñas said they are campaigning for Robredo and running mate, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, because they are sure that their tandem will help the farmers and other marginalized sectors.
“Even if the Office of the Vice President has a limited budget, her programs like the Angat Buhay continue to help the farmers. The same with Kiko…we’re sure that these two will help us farmers,” he added.
After Negros Occidental, the group was set to continue its caravan in neighboring Panay Island.*