Farmers dare bets: Present land reform agenda

MANILA, Philippines – Poll candidates, particularly those seeking national positions, are being challenged to present their agenda on land reform and rural development.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairman Rafael Mariano said they are looking for candidates who could promote domestic agriculture and food security.

“No one among the candidates in the national elections has so far supported our demand for a genuine land reform as well as free land distribution that would jumpstart significant rural development,” Mariano said.

A survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations and commissioned by Greenpeace Philippines contained issues on agriculture that the government should focus on.

Among them were the provisions of support for farmers who are vulnerable to calamities such as services and fertilizers, establishment of farmers’ markets, land distribution, and consumer education on ecological agriculture and organic farming.

“Issues that will make one vote for a specific candidate and reflect the plight of the farmers. In general, farmers want a candidate to respond to their needs and demands and that of the domestic agriculture,” Mariano said.

He said farmers need genuine land reform and distribution as he challenged all candidates to face them and respond to their demands.

“Farmers and the rural poor comprise a majority of the electorate. We will continue to push the Peasant Agenda before the start of campaign period for the national election on Feb. 9,” he said.