For Melchor Deinla, a 64 year-old farmer, the dream of owning the land they have been tilling was already within their reach when it was placed under CARP. But that was more than 13 years ago. BY DABET CASTAÑEDA Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 49, January 20-26, 2008 Malacanang may have decided in favor of the…
Tags: Philippine agriculture
Small Farmers Unlikely to Benefit from ‘Agri Export Boost’ under JPEPA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is trying to gain public support for the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) by flaunting that the free-trade pact will secure some US$353 million (P15.6 billion) worth of existing agricultural and fishery exports to Japan. But the benefits, if indeed there will be any, will be cornered…
A Centuries-Old Problem
A government which is not serious in implementing a genuine agrarian reform program with a weak law such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 is a recipe for more feudal exploitation and peasant unrest. A government which is not serious in agrarian reform with a strong law and program may be forced to…
Ka Daning: From the Church to the Parliament of the Streets
Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos struggled early in life to provide for his family’s needs. He may not have impressive academic credentials, having finished only Grade 6, but his knowledge of the national situation is more impressive and credible than some government officials. Ka Daning has a distinct advantage: He knows poverty because he lives it…