When I read about the story of the Sumilao farmers for the first time a few months ago, I took interest right away and thought of a way to help them out in their cause and struggle. Maybe because Bukidnon has a special place in my heart. I was a Jesuit Volunteer in Bukidnon 15 years ago. The memories of the warmth, sincerity and simplicity of the people of Bukidnon are still fresh. My sweet Bukidnon home...
Who are the Sumilao farmers? October 9, 2007 marked the 10th anniversary of their hunger strike. These farmers renewed their struggle in reclaiming the land (144 hectares in all) that was taken from them ten years ago. Fifty five of them started walking on October 10, 2007 from Bukidnon and hoping to reach Manila on December 10, International Human Rights Day. And they did. After braving 1,700kms, crossing, not only towns, but provinces and islands and not to forget the alternating rains, sunshine and storms, they reached their target destination where they are hoping against hope to receive justice.
This march is their non-violent way to voice out and demand their rights over their lands which belong to them and their ancestors. Their act should awaken the whole nation and make us understand the importance of the agrarian reform. They represent not only the struggle of the farmers of Sumilao but the thousands of farmers all over the country.
Yesterday I went to their camp site in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) together with some 25 parishioners. We were invited by San Jose Seminary to help feed the farmers since they are running out of budget and the decision of the DAR secretary seems to be taking longer than needed. As early as 5:30 in the morning our volunteers were already preparing the food that we were supposed to bring to the farmers. It seemed like another one of those out-of-town activities where everyone was excited to join. But when we reached the site in front of the DAR building and the farmers started arriving after another march, our parishioners knew they were face to face with some serious business. The first thing we noticed was the parol hanging outside their camp made up of all the slippers they used during their 2-month walk. The gloomy and tired faces of the farmers moved us. They held on to the gates of the DAR begging and crying for justice. Some women were already suffering from fever and colds and even succumbed to fainting. Their feet aching with sores and bruises. And yet their determination was unfaltering, unwavering. "Ihatag ang yuta sa Sumilao." (Give the land to Sumilao.)
I know deep in their hearts my parishioners realized they received more than they gave. They gave food and water, and in return they were given some lessons about life. I was really determined to bring along parishioners to join the Sumilao farmers for them to realize that sometimes we become too parochial in our concerns. We fight about petty things, we quarrel about irrelevant matters, and we give up when faced with problems. These farmers are not just fighting for a piece of land. They are fighting for their ancestors, for their rights, for their dignity as human beings. They were fighting for what remains of the things they can really call their own.
When we joined them for lunch, I felt I was transported back to Bukidnon. I felt once again their sincerity and admired once again their simplicity. Yet more than that, their determination and hope inspired me. The first lines of their anthem started to ring back ...
"Wherever I may roam,
the distant land to see
I long to be with you
My sweet Bukidnon home..."
