Reboot “Land Reform” With “Band Reform” – Barkada: Co-Operate As A Group!

The PH’s land reform beneficiaries have a unified demand: “Fight For Genuine Agrarian Reform” (image above). As Marielle Lucenio says, “After 34 Years Of Philippines’ Agrarian Reform Law, Farmers Continue To Long For Own Land” (12 June 2022, LiC/S, licas.news, source of top image). A year ago, Ms Marielle says PH’s is “Asia’s longest-running land reform program, which turned 34 on Friday, 10 June, remains to be a ‘total failure,’ claimed land rights defenders in the Philippines.”

A son of a farmer and graduate of UP Los Baños, 1965, 2.36 weighted average grade, I say those protesters are only using their mouths, not their minds!

Rey Gamboa says, “Outdated Land Reform Law” (21 Feb 2023, PhilStar, philstar.com):

Let us bring back the science in farming. If we can make rice farming more productive by allowing larger sizes of land ownership, we will give small farmers a real chance to uplift their incomes, and in the process, boost rice production that will ultimately benefit the country’s goal of food security.

I like what Mr Gamboa says: “Let us bring back the science in farming.” And I see that we can do that if we resort to land consolidation.
(“Rolling Out Plan” from agroeconomics.az)

Calixto V Chikiamco says, “Land Consolidation Is The Answer” (02 Oct 2022, BusinessWorld, bworldonline.com):

… The primary binding constraint in the development of Philippine agriculture is land fragmentation. The answer to our agricultural woes is farm consolidation and modernization. Nothing else. All other efforts will fail…

However, creating bigger and better-managed farms is impossible under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL). Successful farmers are not allowed to expand beyond five hectares.

Repeal the CARL! Meanwhile, I say that beyond 5 ha, we can consolidate farmers’ lands via cooperatives. And that is why I said “Band Reform” above!

One of my favorite Pinoy bands is the Apo Hiking Society (the APO). I am now reading Joel Pablo Salud’s article, “APO Hiking Society And The Riotous Seventies” (03 Nov 2022, PhilStar Life, philstarlife.com). How did the APO not only survive but emerge at the top as a group? Mr Salud says:

“Awit ng Barkada” zeroed in on the general sadness of youth, its sporadic depressions, and whatever sense of failure they may be experiencing at the time. The song wasn’t pedantic or doctrinaire; just a simple reminder that the gang will be with you through thick and thin:

“Nandirito kami, ang barkada mong tunay
Aawit sa iyo
Sa lungkot at ligaya, hirap at ginhawa
Kami'y kasama mo.”

My free translation:

Here we are, your true friends
We sing for you
In sadness and gladness, difficulty and relief
We are with you.

Wikipedia says of the APO (en.wikipedia.org): “… Comprised of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo, “They are regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music.” The farmers’ friendly barkadas are waiting in the forms of cooperatives! I should know – I am a member of the Nagkaisa Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Nagkaisa) in my hometown Asingan, Pangasinan.

Magsasaka, magkaisa tayo sa barkadang paunlad!@517