Common courtesy and persistence

When someone comes from a far away place to see you on official business, the common courtesy is to accommodate that person, if only to hear what he has to say.

This is exactly what the Emir of Kuwait did to President Arroyo, on the latter’s unscheduled visit to Kuwait, to plead for the life of Marilou Ranario who was scheduled to be executed. Courtesy dictated that the Emir welcome the President and hear her out. It turned out okay for Ranario, who’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. The government is still working on further reducing her sentence.

So when the Sumilao farmers, after marching from their hometown of Bukidnon 1,700 kilometers to Manila to plead their case to the Palace, a journey that took two months, were first unwelcomed, and even diverted to the DAR, their plight was highlighted and many rallied to their cause for rightful ownership of the land that they tilled.

After several attempts at a dialogue with the chief executive, President Arroyo finally met with the leaders of the 55 farmers. The result, an executive order reconverting the disputed 144-hectare property back into an agricultural land category, thereby making it eligible for the CARP to distribute it to the farmers. This, of course, after a process that may well take some time, especially if San Miguel Corp., a giant in itself, has anything to say about it first.

But at least, it is a first step, and a victory of sorts for the persistent farmers. They can now probably trek back home, to spend the holidays with their families.

Land reform has always been a sticky issue with every administration after the Marcos regime. One can recall the many marches made to Mendiola by farmers demanding ownership of land that they have tilled for so long. Some were peaceful marches, others downright deadly.

It is not always easy when land is disputed. Ask anybody from the Middle east and he will surely have an animated answer. Whether it be for farming or a place to call home, land disputes will always be difficult and complicated. So for now, let’s all be thankful for a formula that seemed to work in the case of the Sumilao farmers. Common courtesy and persistence. Probably a new formula for success. Let’s hope it’s not just lip service.