Development?

This is my personal reflection for our Theology paper on Philippine Land Reform.

           Although the issue of land reform is first and foremost, a national concern, it is still a matter that has struck me personally. I cannot help but remember my experience with my foster family in my immersion last semester. Reading the history of the struggle of farmers in trying to fight for their fair share of land, I know, at least based on what I experienced in Nueva Ecija, how an alternative to a system dominated by the landowning class is possible.

            After World War II, the condition of this small town in Nueva Ecija was at probably its worst. Massive and unbridled commercial logging had nearly destroyed the ecosystem of the town, and consequently made it difficult for the rural settlers to live their lives. Fast forward to today, one can say that the people of this town have done well not only for themselves, but also for the environment in which they are a part of.

            The Lamina family, along with the community in the town of Puncan Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, has shown me how their way of living can serve as a model that other Filipinos, particularly those who are content with this almost-feudal system that we have in the country, can emulate. In Puncan, as in other barangays in this town, people are encouraged to form ‘resource pools,’ groups wherein townspeople can help each other, be it in farming, paying bills, or even in other personal matters—a true example of that oft-forgotten Filipino value of bayanihan. Not only that, these groups are also actively ensuring that the environment, as their primary source of livelihood, is taken care of. For example, the people of Puncan do not practice traditional charcoal making. Instead, they produce, with great perseverance, charcoal briquette made out of coconut husks, rice husks, and grass varieties that people normally throw away. Asked if they struggle with this way of living, Nanay Senyang quickly responds, “Hindi naman. Ang simpleng buhay na ganito, kailangan lang ng konting sipag at responsibilidad.”

            However, forms of injustice continue to threaten the Laminas, the people of Puncan, and their way of living. Multi-billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects are in place within the municipalities of Nueva Ecija, particularly hitting its rich public land. The gardens, rice terraces, and indigenous irrigation systems that I saw in Puncan, to me, are clear evidence that genuine human development is taking place. Those in power seem to think otherwise.