Joseph Canlas is a peasant leader and community organizer based in Central Luzon, where he led various campaigns and struggles against landgrabbing and land-use conversion in many farming communities in the region.
The season of advent calls us to continue to participate in the establishment of God’s kingdom in the here and now of the Philippine society, to be firm in our resolve to live in righteousness by being vigilant, ever awake and responsible of our God given duties to nurture and protect his household – the Philippine society from the evil schemes of the fake “Lords.”
Fourteen years after the Hacienda Luisita massacre, farmers still fight for their land. The Cojuangco-Aquinos have regained control of the vast sugar plantation with the aid of the Department of Agrarian Reform, military and police.
“The SC decision lacks any sense of social justice.”
“Thirteen years after Hacienda Luisita massacre, no one has been arrested, put to trial and punished for the carnage that killed seven farmworkers on November 16, 2004.”
“The marching order to reject Mariano came directly from Malacañang and President Duterte.” — KMP
“(Agrarian Reform Sec Rafael) Mariano has made impressive pronouncements and policies in favor of poor farmers struggling to own their lands legitimately.” – Most. Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona
Farmworkers in the sugar estate are fighting back for justice and genuine agrarian reform.
“The long and arduous struggle and sacrifices of Hacienda Luisita farmers for the land are slowly being repaid. The CLOA distribution to Luisita farmers is just the start.” By CERES BUSY Bulatlat HACIENDA LUISITA, Tarlac — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) chose this day to grant Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to some…
“National minorities – 24 lumad from the Manobo tribe and some Calagan Moros were also exploited to work for a measly P9.46 a day – the same paltry sum that the Cojuangco-Aquinos gave their ‘stockholders’ 12 years ago.”
The sakadas worked from 4 a.m. until 5 p.m. for a pay way below the minimum wage of P334 per day in Tarlac. They received P9 to P128 per day due to numerous deductions.