DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU

BY PRINCESS JAPON

Our grandfathers used to say that once in our lives we will need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher, but every day, three times a day, you will need a farmer

The Philippines has a of 9.67 million hectare 5 million farmers a Statistics Authority farmers in the Philip account of the countr distribution

Farmers' struggle to earn low wages result insecurity in the agr overcome this challe worker organizations authentic land refor sustainable and e practices

The desire of farmers till led to repression, violence 311 peasan fisherfolk were kille Duterte administratio and agrarian reform ad

Land and environme the Philippines face little to no acco perpetrators, accord Nations This strugg decades, with lando forces harassing defen

The 1987 Mendiola massacre was a pivotal moment for land rights movements when thousands of farmers gathered to protest in front of Malacañang Palace, demanding just and comprehensive land reforms However, their appeals were ignored, leading to the death of 13 farmers and multiple injuries

35 years have passed, yet landlessness remains the largest shackle of rural poverty in the Philippines, while peasant massacres remain a headline staple

These killings highlight the criminalization of social dissent opposing human rights We must continue to fight for farmers and peasants to attain the land and justice they deserve, and for reforms without fear of condemnation from the law.

The struggle of farmers and farm workers' groups is rooted in their recognition that genuine land reform is a crucial step towards achieving food security and sovereignty. It seeks to break free from the existing system that perpetuates inequality and marginalization in the farming sector By gaining control over their lands and resources, farmers can freely adopt agroecological practices that promote sustainable and equitable farming practices

The struggle of farmers and farm workers' groups is rooted in their recognition that genuine land reform is a crucial step towards achieving food security and sovereignty. It seeks to break free from the existing system that perpetuates inequality and marginalization in the farming sector

By gaining control over their lands and resources, farmers can freely adopt agroecological practices that promote sustainable and equitable farming practices