Vol. XXI, No. 220 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
BACOLOD CITY — Advocates are pushing for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) — with genuine reforms.
Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco cited a study conducted by the provincial government early this year that many beneficiaries have leased out or sold their lands due to inability to sustain tilling, lacked support services, and have not availed of economic gains from land ownership.
In his hometown of Kabankalan, Mr. Zayco said an 800-hectare property awarded to beneficiaries through the voluntary offer to sell scheme was eventually leased out.
Constitutionalist Christian Monsod and agrarian justice advocate Conrado Navarro agreed that capacity-building activities should be in place for the beneficiaries.
Mr. Navarro, executive trustee of the Agrarian Justice Foundation, Inc. and a former agrarian reform undersecretary, said there are beneficiaries who have not paid their real estate taxes and amortizations since they have not been provided the payment schedule.
He warned of heightened tensions if the program will expire this week. — Nanette L. Guadalquiver
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