The Sumilao Farmers – a Filipino Success Story
It was recently announced in local media that the Sumilao Farmers from Bukidnon, Mindanao, have finally gotten back their 144 hectares of land.
For those of you unfamiliar with the story, here is a brief background: In 2007, fifty-five farmers marched all the way from their hometown to Manila in order to convince the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to return ownership of 144 hectares of agricultural land to them.
Through various dealings and agreements, the land ended up in the hands of San Miguel Foods Incorporated (SMFI). The company was to begin construction for a piggery on that land, so the farmers were running out of time.
Their efforts were publicized by the media and were supported by various groups and universities. The farmers finally returned to Bukidnon via plane provided by the Philippine government, after SMFI promised to return 44 hectares of the land. That promise was kept.
With the help yet again of students from the Ateneo de Manila University, the farmers began planning organic coffee on their land. The Sumila0 Agri-Enterprise was formed, and now Sumilao Corn Coffee is being sold in both Mindanao and Manila.
Now, another 100 hectares of agricultural land was given to the farmers by the Philippine government. It was a hard fought effort – peaked by the assassination of the leader of the Sumilao Farmers – but one that was not in vain.
For more information on the farmers or the organic coffee they produce, you can visit Environment Philippines or the official website of the Sumilao Agri-Enterprise.
