Although there were still some issues to be settled, farmers from Laguna and Quezon have admitted that their lives are better now than the past years mainly because of initiatives and assistance by the agrarian reform department.
DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officials led by Secretary John Castriciones recently conducted a dialogue with the farmers’ groups in the provinces of Quezon and Laguna.
During the dialogue, the farmers who belong to different associations were able to raise their concerns, especially their fear of losing ownership of their lands.
They also requested to continuously be provided with support services, particularly the extension of farm-to-market roads in their barangays.
Castriciones invited the farmers to visit the DAR Central Office in Quezon City where they could rigorously tackle their plan of action and other options in resolving their concerns.
“Let’s set a date where your farmer-representatives, leaders and lawyers could meet me in my office to thoroughly discuss your plight. List down issues you want to raise with President Rodrigo Duterte, and I will give it to him in one of our Cabinet meetings because the farmers are close to the President’s heart,” he said.
Ka Vangie Mendoza, president of Pesante Pilipinas, said the farmers are now earning more because of the DAR’s intervention which include tractors, capital and other livelihood supports.
“Ever since Castriciones assumed leadership at the DAR, the farmers’ woes were heard and they have continuously received various support services,” she said.
“We don’t need to rally in front of their office. All that we ask is the continuing provision of support because we are beginning to feel the positive impact of their assistance,” she added.
(SC)
Tags: #DepartmentofAgrarianReform, #agriculture, #sutainabledevelopment