Some 200 farmers and agrarian reform advocates belonging to the Reform CARP Movement (RCM) today held a rally in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) demanding President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to distribute Hacienda Luisita under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) within the first 100 days of his term. RCM made the call as they commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the enactment of the agrarian reform program.

RCM expressed concern that they are yet to hear from the President-elect on his plans concerning agrarian reform in the country. Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) National President Ka Crispin Aguello explained that, “We expect more from him because he said that he would push for serious changes for the sake of the Filipino people. Kailangan niyang kumilos agad sa loob ng unang 100 araw ng kanyang panunungkulan na ipatupad ang pangako niyang pamamahagi ng hacienda ng kanyang angkan. Magandang balita ito sa buong bayan pag nagawa niya. Handa kaming makipagtulungan para mangyari ito.”

RCM also lamented that government is yet to report on its land acquisition and distribution performance. “It has almost been one year since the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 9700 or the CARP extension with reforms bill. Until now, government is yet to report on how much private agricultural lands have already been distributed to qualified ARBs, which includes landless women farmers and farm workers. We are growing anxious that they might not have the political will to implement CARPER to the full extent of the law,” mentioned PKKK National President Trinidad “Ka Trining” Domingo.

Among the demands being pushed by RCM are to distribute all the remaining big private agricultural lands, affirm CARP as a centerpiece asset reform program, prohibit land use conversion of prime agricultural lands, rethink the Biofuels program, clarify Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2008-1, and ensure sufficient budgetary allocation for CARPER implementation. They also called on President-elect Aquino III to appoint pro-farmer DAR officials. Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK) National Chair Ka Maning Rosario explained that, “We worked hard in the last three years to provide the necessary reform provisions in the CARP law. We are prepared to dialogue and work together with the incoming administration so long as they show their sincerity and commitment in implementing the program.”

Lastly, RCM reminded President-elect Aquino III not to waste the sacrifices made by the farmers that pushed for the enactment of CARP. “We hope he appreciates the lives given by the Mendiola massacre victims and Ka Rene Peña of the Sumilao farmers to help other landless farmers and farm workers have their own lands to till. This should be the context by which he should implement CARP,” said MAKABAYAN-Pilipinas Deputy Secretary-General John Cortez.