Agrarian Reform During The Administration of Macapagal, Marcos, and Corazon Aquino
Agrarian Reform During The Administration of Macapagal, Marcos, and Corazon Aquino
Agrarian Reform During The Administration of Macapagal, Marcos, and Corazon Aquino
Christian L. Tantay
&
Klein Neal Sagun
What is Land/Agrarian
Reform?
Land reform is one of the most complicated laws to enact in
the Philippines, with long standing struggle between farmers and
landowners. In this presentation, we will analyze the topic of land
ownership and power relations. We will also discuss what needs
to be done in order to protect our farmers and their right to own a
land.
1. R.A. 6390
- Agrarian Reform Special Fund Act – finance the agrarian
reform programs.
The logo shows the department's acronym representing the institution and its role
as the lead agency in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program (CARP).
The sun radiates its light into the field of green divided into 12 segments
representing the original 12 regions covered by the program. Green stands for
fertility and productivity while yellow represents hope and a golden harvest of
agrarian reform beneficiaries who are the recipients of the services provided by
department via CARP. Both colors imply the economic growth and sound rural
development can be achieved through agrarian reform.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM
DURING THE ADMINISTRATION
OF
CORAZON AQUINO
(1986-1992)
Corazon Aquino policies on land reforms:
In our opinion, Republic Act No. 3844 of August 8, 1963, or the (Agricultural Land Reform Code) is
the one programs were helpful in our economy/agriculture and the administration of Corazon Aquino is
not. So how did the Agricultural Land Reform Code help our economy/agriculture? The Agricultural Land
Reform Code (RA No. 3844) was a major advancement of land reform here in the Philippines and it
abolished tenancy and established a leasehold system in which farmers paid fixed rentals to landlords,
rather than a percentage of harvest. In agricultural leasehold, the farmer cultivates the land belonging to,
or possessed by another with the latter's consent for a price certain in money or in produce. It also
established the Lank Bank of the Philippines to help with land reform, particularly the purchase of
agricultural estates for division and resale to small landholders and the purchase of land by the
agricultural lessee. While the law was a significant advance over previous legislation, through the bill
was weakened by numerous amendments imposed by Congress, which was dominated by landlords. The
main provisions of the Agricultural Land Reform Code were first, to establish and encourage the
formation of family-sized farms as the basis for Philippine agriculture. Second, to improve the lives of
farmers by liberating them from harmful practices such as illegal interest rates. Third, is to encourage
greater productivity and increase income of small farmers. Fourth, to apply labor laws equally regardless
of status. Fifth, to provide a land settlement program and promote equitable distribution of land and
lastly, to make poor farmers self-reliant, responsible citizens to strengthen society.
Compare and contrast the eras. Which was more
successful and why?
In our opinion, the RA no. 3844 of Diosdado Macapagal was the most successful one out of the other two,
simply because the act made by President Macapagal abolished the share tenancy in the country, it converted
tenant farmers from lessees to owner-cultivators. It also aimed to free tenants and gave hope to the poor Filipino
farmers and gave the right to own land they are tilling. This is unlike the system of what President Marcos
initiated because major corporations and the monopoly of businessman, as well as foreign and local firms
allowed the use of large portions of land.
Macapagal also introduced the "Agricultural Land Reform Code" which distributed private lands to
farmers on easy term of payment. Along with the "Retention Limit of 75 Hectares" which exempted big
companies to rule and transfer of landlordism. Now we know why Diosdado Macapagal was called as "The Father
of Agrarian Reform" not because of his policies were perfect, but it helped a lot of farmers and people.
What are your
thoughts/reactions/conclusion/recommendations about your
topic?
What we learned from the article about the eras, is that we gave insight in
each of the agrarian policies of the different administrations and what they
achieved and what they failed to promise the people. We can see that these
agrarian systems from different administrations gave importance to the country
because each of them tried to help the Filipino farmers and people. Though,
they are not perfect and are prone to challenges and limitations, they still serve
a piece of importance for future reformers. We recommend that we should not
repeat or make the mistakes the past administrations' agrarian programs did
with many limitations and that it should benefit most Filipinos including
farmers.
THANKS FOR LISTENING