FOUR FARMERS from Casiguran, Aurora met with the Sanggunian Central Board (CB) yesterday, July 20 to elucidate on their plight back home. They were accompanied by Development Studies Program faculty member Soc Banzuela.
The ongoing construction of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (Apeco) in Casiguran has displaced thousands of farmers, fisherfolk and the native Dumagat who live there.
“Nangangamba po kami sa aming buhay. Ano ang kahihinatnan namin? (We fear for our lives. What will happen to us?)” said Elmer Gonzales, one of the guest farmers, who is the president of the Bicolano Ilocano Casiguran Farmers Association (Bicfa).
The said zone covers 12,923 hectares of land. Local farmers claim to have settled in the area since 1962, and have been tilling the land since then. In comparison, the Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon, who figured in a similar predicament a few years ago, fought for 144 hectares of land.
Apeco is a special economic area for industries such as tourism and banking. Representative Juan Edgardo Angara and Senator Edgardo Angara sponsored the bill enabling the creation of Apeco. Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved its creation in 2007.
Issues of legality
Banzuela pointed out a legal difficulty as regards the issue.
He said that on one hand, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (Carper) Bill, the Fisheries Code and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act make the Apeco illegal.
On the other hand, however, he noted that its creation appears to be legal because it was signed into law.
“This case undermines the achievements of the Philippine nation since the EDSA Revolution,” Banzuela said.
Fears and appeals
Gonzales said that the farmers were promised jobs by Apeco, but he doubts that the jobs will be long-term.
“Isa itong panganib sa aming mga maliliit (This is a danger to us in the margins),” he said. Gonzales also wishes to appeal to the president of the Philippines to help them with their situation.
Edwin Garcia, one of the farmers present during the CB meeting, said that their land was very important to them.
“Ang alam lang po namin ay ang pagsasaka (All we know to do is farming),” he said.
Sanggu’s initial plans
School of Social Sciences Chair Toni Potenciano said that the Ateneo should bank on moral grounds to lobby for the farmers, fisherfolk and the Dumagat.
As a start, School of Science and Engineering CB Representative Nicole Dela Cruz said that an awareness campaign should be rolled out.
Sanggunian President Gio Alejo identified three initial plans of action, which are to send a letter to University President Jett Villarin, SJ, to meet with other offices such as the Ateneo School of Government, the Theology Department and the administration, and to put together an Apeco Task Force.
Updated July 21, 2012, 12:38 PM.
