15 November 2007

At 4:30 am yesterday , the Sumilao farmers started to walk the distance of 22 kilometers from Daraga, Albay to Ligao City.  It was a difficult day for them because it rained during their entire walk.   Nevertheless, they managed to arrive in Ligao city at around 11 a.m.

12 November 2007

The Walk for Sumilao Land, Walk for Justice Campaign carries various issues on the state and implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).  It is initiated by the Sumilao Farmers primarily to reclaim the 144-hectare landholding in their hometown.  Although they have particular calls such as revocation of the conversion order, they are also calling for the extension and reformation of the CARP, and recognition for a need of a Land Use Law, which, would redound to the benefit of the whole peasantry across the country.

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/11 November) – Members of the Mapalad group of farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon who are staging a two-march to the national capital have insisted that Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman "has the power and jurisdiction to cover the 144-hectare agricultural land under CARP despite a pending case at the Office of the President."

It was on 24 October 2007 when the Sumilao Farmers first set their feet in the islands of Visayas. And it was in the Municipality of Liloan where they have started the Visayas leg. As to this day, they have negotiated not less than 300 kilometers. Yesterday, they negotiated the 36 kilometers stretch of roads from the Municipality of San Jorge to Calbayog City.