Dear Friends,
It was only a week ago since the Sumilao March Petition and Fund-raising Initiative began. We have raised Php 21,332.50 and 484 signatures as of Oct. 17, 11:31PM. We still have a long way to go to raise Php 600,000 and 1M signatures!
So let US do everything we can to do so! The 3rd year AB Development Studies (DS) majors are continuing their fund-raising during the semestral break and even doing their best to extend the campaign to their own provinces! JOIN US in this all-out support for our Sumilao farmers. Design projects, spread the Sumilao march, fund-raising, and petition campaigns, and involve your schools and towns in this movement!
We will be updating http://sumilaomarch .multiply. com regularly (about the march, petition, and fund-raising) , so keep on visiting the site!
Now on their 8th day of march, Sumilao farmers have reached Caraga boundary, between region 10 and 13! They have traveled around 210 kms starting from Sumilao, Bukidnon at an average speed of 4kms/hr. Blisters can't stop the marchers! Walk Sumilao farmers! Reclaim the 144 hectares! Reclaim what is rightfully yours!
----Let us continue to pray for our brother farmers as they continue their march for their ancestral lands. It is TIME for solidarity against injustice in our country. It is TIME to act!----
PAKISAMA community organizers and other campaigners are doing groundwork for the Sumilao March. They are now having meetings with social action centers. We now have the commitment from other networks of civil society institutions (EVNET, PMP, PRO-KAISAHAN) and also Region 8 DAR (Dept. of Agrarian Reform).
We now have contacts! Media coverage continues!
ABS-CBN Correspondent Roi Calilong will air an episode on Sumilao March on NOVEMBER 6, Tuesday.
GMA 7 requested copies of our video documentations.
Daily coverage of ABS-CBN Mindanao continues.
Philippine Daily Inquirer continues to feature Sumilao farmers:
October 8, http://services. inquirer. net/mobile/ 07/10/09/ html_output/ xmlhtml/20071008 -93257-xml. html
(updated Oct. 9)
October 13, http://newsinfo. inquirer. net/breakingnews /regions/ view_article. php?article_ id=94264
October 15, page 22; http://services. inquirer. net/express/ 07/10/16/ html_output/ xmlhtml/20071015 -94570-xml. html
http://services. inquirer. net/print/ print.php? article_id= 94434
October 16, http://newsinfo. inquirer. net/inquirerhead lines/regions/ view_article. php?article_ id=94666
Again, thank you so much, everyone! The Sumilao farmers are very grateful for all your support. Let US CONTINUE fighting with them as they march for their land, for justice!
God bless to us all!
-3rd year students, Major in Development Studies
Ateneo de Manila University
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Hi everyone.
Nong Peter of the Sumilao farmers explained to the Board their group's walk from Bukidnon to Malacanang and their call for the revocation of the conversion order for the 144-hectare farmland (after 10 years of non-development by the owners. The CODE-NGO passed a resolution (attached):
-Calling on all our members and partners nationwide to lend support to the Sumilao farmers through moral, physical, and financial means to ensure they all reach Manila on December 10, 2007, achieve the broadest awareness level among our country-folks on this issue, and eventually get to own and be installed over their ancestral land; and
-Calling on the President of the Philippines, to do everything under her powers, to reverse the October 3, 2007 decision of her office not only depriving the Sumilao farmers of their land but also their legal standing and also to certify as urgent legislation the extension and speedy completion of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
Updates from Mindanaw on the first days of the Sumilao march.
Oct 10, 2007- Wednesday: 1st day of March
Yesterday, 50 Sumilao farmers started walking at around 6:00 in the morning from Sumilao, Bukidnon. They were accompanied by seven persons (Dok G., Jun G, 2 mediapersons, Gemro, Noland and Agnes). They had their breakfast in Maluko which was provided by MASIPAG Bukidnon.
At the middle of the first day of their walk, BALAOD Mindanaw received a decision from the Office of the President dismissing the Appeal for lack of legal standing of the Sumilao farmers.
In response to the dismissal of the appeal, the legal group (SALIGAN, BALAOD, KAISAHAN) convened in KAISAHAN's office to discuss the decision. The group also decided not to file the Supplemental Memorandum on that date instead converted the said pleading into a Motion for Reconsideration.
In Mindanaw, despite the frustration upon knowing the dismissal of the appeal by the Office of the President, the farmers continued walking. They reached Bugo, Cagayan de Oro at around 10:00 in the evening. They were received by Fr. Alexander Borres of the Parish of Bugo as well as other support groups, the Balay Mindanaw Group of NGOs, Kalipunan ng mga Maliliit na Magniniyog sa Pilipinas (KAMMPIL)-Misamis Oriental, students, and parishioners of Bugo. Aside from allowing the farmers to sleep in the Church, the parish also provided the farmers with food and drinks.
Also, in the Parish of Bugo, the farmers and their supporters also had a community prayer of thanksgiving for the success of their first day of walk.
Today, the farmers will proceed with their walk to Cagayan de Oro City and take their breakfast at the Archbishop's house. A peaceful gathering of supporters, press conference, and a Eucharistic celebration are only some of the activities that shall happen today at capitol grounds of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental.
Tomorrow, 3rd day of walk they will proceed to Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.
Oct 11, 2007- Thursday: 2nd day of March
Yesterday (11 October 2007), the Sumilao farmers arrived at Puerto around 10:30 pm at barangay Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City. The parish provided them with food and rest. There was only a number of 'banig' so the other farmers slept on benches.
The members of the Alternative Law Groups who attended the meeting on charter change as well as the Balay Group of NGOs, and NATTCO welcomed the farmers.
They slept around 11:30 pm after eating their dinner.
They started to walk yesterday at 6:30 in the morning. They failed to walk at 5:00 am, as agreed, because there were only 2 comfort rooms where they can take a bath.
At 10:00 am, they took a rest and ate their breakfast at Barangay Baloy, Cagayan de Oro City. The food prepared by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City was brought to them because it was already late in the morning. Their feet were blistered, and swollen. Others also had cramps.
They resumed their walk at 10:30 am , and arrived at the center of Cagayan de Oro City at 12:30 in the afternoon. The traffic was disturbed and people were curiously looking on the farmers.
The support groups from Cagayan de Oro city welcomed the farmers when they entered the capitol grounds. They took their lunch after taking some rest.
A short program followed. An input on the background of the Sumilao farmers' case was shared to the supporters. Statements of support and solidarity were also given by the representatives of support groups.
While the program was going on, Rene Penas and Linda Ligmon of MAPALAD, Niko Maestre of KAMMPIL-MisOr, Myrna Abionawan-Siose of CONVERSATION, and Kaka Bag-ao of BALAOD Mindanaw were at a presscon held in Cagayan de Oro Press Club.
After the program, the Balay Mindanaw Group convened and assessed the first and second day of the walk, while the farmers took a rest.
A Eucharistic celebration was celebrated with Fr. Joe Cabantan, Executive Director of the Social Action of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City. At the end of the mass, the farmers were given blessings, and words of encouragement to continue with their walk.
A community dinner and a film showing of the MAPALAD struggle was shown. The farmers slept at around 10:00 pm at the capitol ground.
Oct 12, 2007- Friday: 3rd day of March
Sumilao farmers log their first 100 km for the 1500* km walk to Malacanang
100 km down from the 1500 km walk to Malacanang, the farmers are on their way to Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental. By now, they have covered more than 100 km since their walk from Sumilao three days ago.
They reached Jampason Beach, Jasaan, yesterday at around 5:00 PM , filled with stories of encounters with good Samaritans on the road. Residents in the towns they passed handed out Milo, iced water, cash, blessings and good wishes. Even car passengers stopped to hand out cash. The donations amounted to more than P1,500.
In Villanueva, they were hosted by the Guadalupe Parish. The people sang for the farmers while they were having lunch. Around 20 farmer paralegals from Claveria also met the group and marched with them to Jasaan.
Last night, Doc. Grace, BALAOD's "resident paramedic" took their BPs, gave them their regular dose of vitamins, and paracetamol for muscle ache. She also attended to those who have blisters on their feet.
They rested for the night at Jampason Beach Resort. Some slept on benches and mats, while others have only their streamers between their bodies and the concrete grounds of the resort.
They merrily woke up at 3:00 AM. You can hear them bantering over cups of coffee. Their morning ritual includes a 15-minute stretching exercise. Since they started doing the exercise, they said they suffered less muscle ache.
At exactly 4:05 AM, they resumed their walk to Balingasag, their good spirits and eagerness piercing the darkness of early dawn.
* rough estimate, to be confirmed with DPWH
Oct 13, 2007- Saturday: 4th day of March
MISORET RESIDENTS WAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE SUMILAO FARMERS
As early as 3 o'clock in the morning, clanging of cups and spoons can be heard from the group of marchers as they are taking their early morning coffee, while some are still folding the streamers and mats which they used for sleeping at Jampason Beach Resort, Jasaan the place where they slept last night. Nevertheless, happy spirit is evident in every person taking part of the walk as one can hear cheers as they take their early morning ritual.
After drinking coffee, they started to gather themselves to do the regular stretching routine which they have been doing since the start of walking. Many have blisters but they just applied medication and continued walking. At around 4:15 a.m., the group already started to walk cheerfully, determined to reach the target distance for today's walk. As the sun rises, the group was already within the territory of the Municipality of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.
At the roadside, expecting residents were already waiting. 50 meters from the distance of the marchers, group of people, including peoples organization (POs), could already be seen waiting and as they approached, the people would say " naa na sila" (they're here) and then people far from the roadside would immediately join them to welcome the Sumilao farmers. Some gave donations e.g. cash, ice water or bread. Some would said "kapoy man kaayo na inyong gebuhat bai, wala na lain pamaagi ana ?" (What you're doing is difficult, is there no other way?)
At 6:30 in the morning while passing along Barangay Binitinan, Balingasag, several residents were already waiting for the farmers. They were holding flaglets that says "padayon" (continue), " para sa Sumilao farmers"(for the Sumilao farmers). They were welcomed by the LGU's and their officials led by Binitinan Barangay Captain Lumindas, Dumait Brgy. Captain Olano, Barangays Rosario, Linggangao and Camuayan. They prepared coffee and bread for the marchers. Womens Group from Brgy. Blanco, Farmers group led by Mr. Rufina, the Local Community Organizers and Fr. Nilo Aguiman of Sta. Rita Parish, Poblacion, Balingasag also expressed their support for the marchers.
They continued walking after the stop at Brgy. Binitinan. When they reached Barangay Poblacion, Balingasag, they were again offered corn coffee and bread by the store owners beside the road.
When they reached the Balay Mindanaw Tabok Office at Barangay Tabok, Lagonglong, at around 9:30 a.m., they had their breakfast prepared by Balay Mindanaw ABOT-MISORET. After breakfast, a short program was held wherein some of the local community organizers (LCOs), paralegals, Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs), MAFAA Peoples Organization, the LGU led by Mayor Joebert Pamisa, Council member Emilio Castil of Brgy. Tabok, Jose Badia of Brgy Umagos, Pedro Toledo of Brgy. Manaol, Angelina Abuzatan of Brgy. Dampil, Edwin Ramonal of Brgy. Lumbo, Melchor Lagmat of Brgy. Banglay, and the church led by Fr. Valmoria of St. John the Baptist church, shared solidarity statements for the Sumilao farmers. Then, it was followed by a short ritual where the community offered some fruits and vegetable as a form of blessing for Sumilao farmers.
They continued walking and at around past 10 a.m. when the heat was unbearable, the team decided to stop at the seaside, still within Barangay Dampil, Lagonglong. They took their lunch in that area. The foods were sponsored by the LGU of Salay led by Mayor Gwe and the Parish of Binuangan.
At 1:30 pm, the Sumilao farmers again started walking and passed by the Municipality of Salay. Despite the heat of the sun, the marchers walked happily because of the support that they were receiving from residents.
They reached the Municipality of Binuangan at around 5:30 p.m. Still, several residents including some LGU members welcomed the Sumilao Farmers at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. They also prepared snacks and even offered the farmers to sleep in their Parish.
While they were in Binuangan, fifteen (15) Burmese came and joined the Sumilao farmers in their walk to the Municipality of Kinoguitan. The 15 Burmese nationals were here to have exposure and visit the areas of Balay Mindanaw Group (BMG). They wanted to learn and explore the impacts of development projects/programs implemented by BMG and its partners in light of community development and peacbuilding which includes the struggle of the farmers especially on agrarian reform. The team decided to continue walking and the Burmese Nationals decided to join their march from Binuangan to the municipality of Kinoguitan which was a 13 kilometer walk.
It was past 6 o'clock in the evening and when the farmers reached the Municipality of Sugbongcogon. They were also welcomed by the residents including, the MASCOFA Peoples Organization. The local LGU led by Mayor Gerry Lagbas and, the Brgy. Councils of Brgy. Mimbuahan, Alicomohan, Sta. Cruz, Kidampas and Ampianga also prepared snack for the marchers. The staff of the Municipality served the juice and banana fritters to the marchers. It was a 10-minute rest and snack for the farmers and then they continued walking.
It was already dark so the Chief Larot of the Sugbongcogon PNP with his co-policemen escorted the marchers until they reached the Municipality of Kinoguitan. At the Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Kinoguitan, several residents and groups were also waiting for the farmers. The supporters includes the LCOs', LFTs',Paralegals, including groups of teachers, representatives from the church, and the LGU led by Mayor Boy Noble. Barangay Council members also joined in welcoming the marchers including Osque Ornello of Brgy. Salubsob, Vicente Abalos of Brgy. Suarez,Felix Badia of Brgy. Beray, Sergio Prel of Brgy. Campo, Ruben Carmona of Brgy. Buko and, Vicente Balida of Brgy Kalitian. They stopped at the San Isidro Labrador church where Fr. Elvin Simene conducted a blessing ceremony for the marchers. After the blessing, they moved on to the gym where dinner was served.
Before they slept at around 10:00 pm in the Kinoguitan gym, Fr. Ricardo Dancela of the Municipality of Binuangan and Congressman Gil Cua of the COOP-NATCCO visited and expressed their supports for the Sumilao farmers.
Oct 14, 2007- Sunday: 5th day of March
SUMILAO FARMERS' 5TH DAY MARCH:
by-standers' words of encouragement and solidarity filled the marchers' heart
Physically exhausted but still determined to continue displaying their anguish and disgust with the inefficiency of the Department of Agrarian Reform in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), particularly on their plights, the Sumilao Farmers again marked their footprints on the streets/roads of Kinoguitan, Balingwan, Talisayan and Medina. 14 October is the Sumilao Farmers' 5th day march.
It was still dawn, 4:15 AM to be exact, when the Sumilao Farmers started their 5th day walk. Leaving Kinoguitan with a very limited rest, and with coffee and bread for their breakfast. Before sunrise, the 54 farmers and some other support groups started the 30 kilometers walk on their way to Medina.
Walking all day long under the heat of the sun and with sometimes rainfall, could be a long and tiring journey especially if there is uncertainty that the Philippine Government will hear their cries. But the solidarity from other farmer organizations and support groups to their cause gave the farmers high spirit and full of inspiration to continue their walk to Manila. The by-standers and residents of the four municipalities they have passed, expressed their warmest support. It filled their hearts with inspiration as they realized, indeed, they are not alone in their cause. Some showed their support through giving donations directly to the farmers while walking. These include bread, ice waters and other beverages, chants and support cries and others. Some even joined them in some part of the leg. There were likewise private vehicles that stopped and handed the farmers their contributions plus blowing of their vehicle horns.
The marchers had their lunch in Brgy. Sta. Ines, Talisayan Parish Church. Together with the locals and Balay Mindanaw SIADOs, they feasted with the food prepared by the locals of Talisayan – kinilaw na tamban, pritong tamban, mixed vegetables and pancit.
Likewise, during their walk, Ka Tessie, one of the Sumilao marchers, almost fainted as her body struggled with blisters and tired body as a consequence of their so far five days walk. Some even felt sick and suffered from minor health problems. But the marchers themselves addressed and resolve these situations. Each and everyone provided health and moral assistance to everyone.
On 5:00PM, the parish priest in Medina conducted a mass primarily to bless the marchers and inspire them to continue their cause.
The marchers observed that on their whole day walk, they were being monitored. A motorcycle passed the marchers twice, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A news came that Malacañang would like to ensure if there's really a pilgrimage and if the people are really walking – another disgusting manner of addressing the concerns of the farmers by the current administration.
They were able to reach their target destination at around 4:30PM. Unlike the previous days, this time, they will have a longer time to rest.
Meanwhile, news of GMA's visit to Butuan City on 17 October 2007 reached the farmers. They discussed whether or not to send representatives from their group to have an audience with the president but at the end of the day, they all decided that it will not do good especially when the Office of the President welcomed the Sumilao Farmers on their first day of walk with a decision dismissing their appeal for revocation of the conversion order in favor of Quisumbings and Cojuanccos on the basis that the Sumilao farmers have no legal standing to file an appeal. They have agreed that the march will continue as originally planned and no Pontious Pilate will change their itineraries unless they receive a true and honest action from the present administration that the disputed 144-hectare land will be given to them and their families.
The Sumilao Farmers would like to thank those who took part during their first days march -- from the small donations coming from the by standers and residents of the municipalities they have passed, to the hospitality of their hosts and the unwavering support of other groups. The farmer organizations in the three municipalities were all well-organized in their welcome to the farmers and the marchers were grateful for their hospitality. Likewise, the marchers will always remember the unwavering support of the BMFI SIADOs in this leg.
There are no shortcuts as they continue their journey to Manila. But the path they are taking is a legacy and clear manifestation that the Filipino farmers are sick and tired of the apathy of the Philippine Government to their plights.
On their way to Manila, the support they received from the Filipino people in Kinoguitan, Talisayan and Medina will always be with them…
Kaka/Normie
--
Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw (BALAOD Mindanaw)
Door 3 Balay Mindanaw SIAD Peace Center
53A 12th St., zone II, Upper Bulua
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
+63 8822 738794
+63 8822 738794 (telefax)
balaodmindanaw@ gmail.com
balaod_mindanaw@ yahoo.com
