Bernas out of touch with the case of Sumilao farmers
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FR. JOAQUIN BERNAS S.J., my colleague in the College of Law at the Ateneo de Manila (Padre Faura), looks at the Sumilao problem purely from the legalistic point of view. He argues that because the landowner failed to implement the conversion plan for the 144 hectares of land as approved and as scheduled, he has forfeited his right to the land in favor of the farmer-beneficiaries. He did not consider the economic benefits that the projects of the San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI)–if these push through–offer to the whole province of Bukidnon and the farmers themselves.
After finishing our degree in law, we went back to our home province to practice the legal profession, while Father Bernas remained in the academe and the Jesuit circle where he belongs. He is definitely out of touch, and does not have adequate knowledge of the lifestyle and behavior of the so-called “lumad” or natives who claim ownership of this “ancestral domain.”
I am ready to furnish Father Bernas a copy of each of the 36 Deeds of Waiver executed by these “lumad” over several parcels of land awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in favor of different buyers, mostly at bargain prices. Indeed, how could the unschooled, “un-tooled” and capital-less “lumad” develop the land given them into a profitable agricultural venture?
If Father Bernas’ view prevails, these people will remain in the quagmire of poverty, living a lifestyle reminiscent of the Stone Age, relying mainly on root crops, vegetables, and, for the better of them, a small patch of corn and rice plantation. Yes these people are entitled to live their own lifestyle. But isn’t it improper for the government to provide them with opportunities, far less brighter than what SMFI is offering them?
If the 144-hectare property is subdivided among the 55 beneficiaries, I am sure that like the 36 that I mentioned above, they will just sell their share to a willing buyer.
I am soliciting the help of my eminent compañero in convincing President Macapagal-Arroyo to allow the SMFI to push through with its projects (which are almost operational) and give each of the 55 farmers the cash value of their three-hectare share of the property. I am sure the farmers will accept the amount. After all, that was really their aim when they undertook the 1,700 kilometer hike from Sumilao to Manila.
–ERLINDO C. ABEJO, retired regional state prosecutor, Region 10, Cagayan de Oro City
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