Secretary Mariano Breaks Open Welded DAR Gates

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), of which Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano is a founding member and former chair, used to stage protests outside the gates of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) building on Elliptical Road in Quezon City. Mariano said, “Farmers led by the KMP stayed here for more than a week before the Jan. 22, 1987, Mendiola Massacre.”

The DAR building gates were shut in 1992 during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada to keep out protesters. In 2002, former DAR Secretary Hernani Braganza ordered to padlock the gates after protesters stormed and locked his office doors and set up a vigil in front of his office. The gates were reinforced under the administration of former Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes. During the administration of former President Benigno S. Aquino III when metal grills were welded onto the glass doors and windows of the DAR office. “The management said it was for our safety, for the safety of the building and property… so it would be better if they controlled the entry of people,” DAR Employees Association secretary, Gloria Almazan said.

The new Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary, Rafael Mariano, hammered the main gates leading to the DAR building after 18 years of keeping out protesters and farmers. He then said after, “This symbolizes that DAR, on all levels, will maintain open. We will follow a policy of continuing open and productive dialogues between the officials and employees of DAR and other stakeholders of agrarian reform, especially our farmers and agricultural workers, and advocates.” Others can only wonder how deep those actions and words run with those who have waited and fought for rights and lands. “This serves to remove all fences, walls between the officials and employees of DAR, and our stakeholders,” Mariano said.

All farmers and even protesters are welcome to the DAR. “If anyone comes to the agency, if there are any rallies, pickets or demonstrations in front of the office, let us not worry. Our farmers come here to the DAR for a reason. Let us welcome them,” Mariano said to the DAR employees. ●