The Philippine Experience

Friday, December 14, 2007

Sumilao Update: Metro Manila Leg - Days 12 & 13

Gloria today announced that she will meet with the farmers in Malacañang on Monday. This comes at the heels of Pangandaman's Status Quo Order. The meeting is set at 11:30AM on Monday. Radyo Veritas reported that PMS chief Cerge Remonde relayed the message. The farmers marched 1,700kms. from Bukidnon to Manila to present their case to GMA. It maybe recalled that the farmers failed in their attempt last week to meet Ermita.

Former DAR sec. Florencio "Butch" Abad said that the status quo order only validates the perception that Pangandaman is biased in favor of SMFI. Abad also added that the order legitimizes SMFI's ownership of the land. This view is shared by Christian Monsod. The farmers today held a sitdown strike to condemn the status quo order.

SMFI still maintains that their hog farm will benefit the farmers. Their claim to me is absurd as their plant is being built on the very land the farmers are claiming. In what other way the farmers would benefit, I still cannot see. Turning farmers into laborers will not uplift their lives. It only opens them up to more abuse and exploitation. I do not see how a pig would earn more than ethanol with the enactment of the bio-fuels law. The farmers will gain more if they are given land to farm on. Spain is also set to fund development of bio-fuels in Bukidnon.

Tomorrow December 15, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Pabillo will celebrate mass at 2PM. I appeal to all those who support the farmers to join the boycott of SMFI products (Monterey/Purefoods).

"Bloggers Call for Boycotting of Monterey/Purefoods Products in support of Sumilao farmers. This Christmas season, December 15, 2007 to January 2, 2008. Bring down the sales of San Miguel Food, Inc. to show public support to the farmers of Bukidnon who were denied of their 144 hectares of land. Please pass to all bloggers."