Farmers are urging the government to ensure a fair distribution of arable land among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), as mandated by an executive order issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s predecessor. Under the Duterte administration, an order was issued to allocate all unclassified public lands and government-owned lands suitable for agricultural purposes to deserving individuals engaged in agriculture or farming activities.
The call from farmers underscores their demand for the government to fulfill its commitment to agrarian reform, which aims to provide land to landless farmers and improve their livelihoods. The distribution of arable land to ARBs is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The executive order issued by President Marcos Jr.’s predecessor emphasizes the importance of equitable land distribution, recognizing the need to empower marginalized farmers by granting them access to productive land. By allocating unclassified public lands and suitable government-owned lands, the government can address the issue of landlessness and promote socioeconomic development in rural areas.
During the Duterte administration, efforts were made to implement the executive order. However, challenges and obstacles hindered the proper distribution of arable land to ARBs. These challenges included issues related to land classification, conflicting land claims, bureaucratic red tape, and insufficient resources for land surveys and titling.
To address these challenges, farmers are calling on the current government to prioritize the comprehensive identification, classification, and inventory of available arable land. This process would involve conducting thorough land surveys, resolving conflicting land claims through a transparent and fair mechanism, and streamlining bureaucratic processes to expedite the distribution of land to ARBs.
By properly distributing arable land to ARBs, the government can foster a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. Land redistribution can enhance food security, as it allows landless farmers to cultivate the land and increase agricultural production. The direct ownership and control of land by farmers also empower them economically and socially, contributing to poverty reduction and rural development.
Furthermore, equitable land distribution has the potential to mitigate social tensions and conflicts arising from land disputes. It promotes a more harmonious relationship between farmers and landowners by ensuring fair access to land resources and reducing the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few.
In conclusion, farmers are advocating for the government’s commitment to agrarian reform by properly distributing arable land to deserving beneficiaries. This would require a comprehensive approach that addresses challenges related to land classification, conflicting claims, bureaucratic processes, and resource allocation. By implementing an efficient and transparent mechanism, the government can fulfill its mandate to uplift the lives of landless farmers, promote rural development, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
