AGRARIAN
In the
Philippines
REFORM
Agrarian Reform
The agrarian reform
aimed at modernizing
the feudal structure of
southern agriculture,
by expropriating the
most unproductive
portions of the large
estates (latifundia) and
redistributing them to
landless peasants in the
form of small holdings.
Landlessness is the main source or rural poverty, and this issue
is the legacy of colonialism. (Robles,2007)
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) MISSION and VISSION
Along with the different social injustices that we are facing, it is
therefore mandatory on the part of the government to build a nation
where there is equitable land ownership and empowered agrarian
reform beneficiaries who are effectively managing their economic and
social development for a better quality of life.
Unequal distribution of land has been regarded as the source of
economic inequality and conflict in our country, the government has
initiated the land reform programs address this, but despite the effort
of the government, many landlords were able to find ways to
circumvent the land in order to save their lands from the program. The
land reform programs, if successfully implemented, can uplift the
standard of living of the farmers and improve agricultural productivity
of the country. It is through the program that the big percentage of the
population living below poverty line can be eliminated and the prices
of agricultural products will be more affordable to the people. (Corpuz,
et’al, 2018)
It is the responsibility of the government to give social justice and land
reform is way to achieved it. Through the strict enforcement and
implementation of corresponding penalties for its violation only way to
achieve this long aspiration of our farmers.
(Corpuz, et’al, 2018)
This lesson presents the history of the Philippine land and agrarian
reform programs. A discussion on the historical background of various
agrarian reform programs, that date back to Spanish period up to the
present times, will enable the Filipinos to understand the present
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
(Manapat, et.al, 2010)
AGRARIAN
REFORM
POLICIES
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
“This land is Ours God gave this land to us”
Before the Spaniards came to the Philippines,
Filipinos lived in villages or barangays ruled by
chiefs or datus. The datus comprised the
nobility. Then came the maharlikas (freemen),
followed by the aliping mamamahay (serfs)
and aliping saguiguilid (slaves).
However, despite the existence of different
classes in the social structure, practically
everyone had access to the fruits of the soil.
Money was unknown, and rice served as the
medium of exchange.
SPANISH PERIOD
“United we stand, divided we fall”
When the Spaniards came to the Philippines,
the concept of encomienda (Royal Land Grants)
was introduced. This system grants that
Encomienderos must defend his encomienda from
external attack, maintain peace and order within,
and support the missionaries. In turn, the
encomiendero acquired the right to collect
tribute from the indios (native).
The system, however, degenerated into abuse
of power by the encomienderos the tribute soon
became land rents to a few powerful landlords.
And the natives who once cultivated the lands in
freedom were transformed into mere share
tenants.
FIRST
PHILIPPINE
REPUBLIC
AMERICAN
PERIOD
“Long live America”
The Torrens system, which
the Americans instituted for
the registration of lands, did
not solve the problem
completely. Either they were
not aware of the law or if
they did, they could not pay
the survey cost and other
fees required in applying for
a Torrens title.
COMMONWEALTH PERIOD
GOVERNMENT FOR THE FILIPINOS
JAPANESE
OCCUPATION
The Rise of
HUKBALAHAP
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Diosdado Macapagal- father of
agrarian reform.
R.A 3844 considered the most
comprehensive piece of legislation
ever enacted in the Philippines.