CARP Extension eyed with reforms mobilization

by Gil E. Miranda

Butuan City -- Federation of Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperatives (FEDARCCO), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) led by their respective People's Organization leaders, Farmworkers, PARCCOM Officials, Akbayan Partylist, AGUKAKABA, and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) in Agusan del Norte, joined hands to voice their thoughts and do their utmost desire to extend CARP and support House Bill No. 4077 during the CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Day Parade held recently here.
Photo shows Reverend Juan De Dios Pueblos, D.D., Bishop of Butuan City, gives his inspiring message before the Farmers in Agusan del Norte showing his full support to extend CARP.

The parade started at the City Hall Ground at exactly 8:30 am and passed through Capitol Compound Avenue all the way to Montilla Boulevard and ended at Rizal Park for a short program.

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), POs, and NGOs from different Municipalities in Agusan del Norte showing their placards bearing statement to support CARP extension during the CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Day Parade.

To give meaning to the event and in order to fully hear the voices of the farmers, it was graced and given life by the inspiring message of our Most Reverend Juan De Dios Pueblos, D.D., Bishop of Butuan City. He said that "we are very thankful here in Agusan del Norte because we are having a very supportive Congressmen who always showed their efforts to extend CARP".

He further said "we have to continue our unity for the benefits of the poor; (ang kalambuan sa atong nasud naga-agad sa kabaskog sa mga yano na mga mag-uuma), the progress of our nation depends on the health of our poor farmers."

Around 1,000 people lined up on the streets without minding the scorching heat of the sun just to send their sentiment to remind legislators to enact House Bill 4077 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) before the end of the season.

Aside from the parade, press conference was also conducted being presented by the selected farmers, PARCCOM members, FEDARCCO Officials and PO Leaders before the local tri-media of this city.