Hacienda Berenger: now in peaceful agreement between Land owners and farmers

SORSOGON CITY, August 10 – The Hacienda Berenger which has become the subject of an aged conflict and farmers’ series of rallies in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Sorsogon’s Office, now finally arrived in peaceful agreement between the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and the landowner.

On May 28, 2012 with the permission of Roseller R. Olayres, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II, the survey team conducted pre-ocular inspection and relocation survey in the area. Luzviminda De Jesus, City Agrarian Reform Officer and some concerned farmers accompanied the team in conducting the survey so that the farmers themselves will know their boundaries.

Hacienda Berenger which is composed of 22.4683 hectares was covered by Operation Land Transfer (OLT) in 1972. However, more than 10 land owners, filed a petition for retention which was protested by farmers.

DAR Sorsogon worked out to justify the farmers’ sentiment and the farmers’ case won from municipal to national DAR level. But the landowner filed an appeal until the case reached the Supreme Court where the farmers won.

To settle the matter, the landowner’s spokeperson requested the farmers to have a peaceful negotiation without involving any lawyers. In the end, both parties arrived in peaceful agreement. More satisfied now, the farmers can at last can go back to the area to till the land as farm-workers and were not expelled from the land which they considered their life. (AJArbolente, DAR/PIA Sorsogon)

The Survey Team with the City MARO and concerned farmers during the PRE-OCI and relocation survey in Berenger estate at Baribag, Sorsogon City. (Photo: AJArbolente, DAR/PIA Sorsogon)