DAR Sec. Pangandaman visited Sumilao Community

I just came back from Sumilao just now.

With some other support groups from CDO and other farmer organizations from Bukidnon, we join the families of the marching farmers to face Sec. Pangandaman as he visited the community few hours ago. A dialogue was initiated and an investigation on the proposed Monterey piggery was conducted by the DAR Team. It was the position presented by the Sumilao farmers that there was a violation on the conversion order on the land since five years have already passed and the development plan was not implemented.

During the dialogue, the Secretary emphasized that they are not there to discuss the merits of the case but to check on the violations that were possibly committed by the meat company. He also promised that they will resolve the issue the soonest time possible but he did not give details on how much time needed before the issue is resolved.

Some people, who were said to be farmers and IPs coming from nearby communities also picketed in front of the Monterey gate showing their support to the piggery project. The people, showing their tarpaulin streamers did not intimidate the "trapal" streamers of the Sumilao Farmers as the two groups were separated by the concrete road. Ration of bottled water were given to the Monterey supporters compared to the ration of cooked cassava prepared by the Sumilao farmers.Near noontime, the rain poured prompting the two groups to disperse, both groups equally wet. Some media groups were also present to cover the event.

Two of the community elders flew to Manila this afternoon to join their members and to offer a traditional ritual for the group.

Let us continue showing our support to the Sumilao Farmers.