Govt mulls distribution of public farmlands to illegal settlers

JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Benigno Aquino III bared Saturday evening his administration’s plan to distribute 1.5 million hectares of government-owned farmlands all over the country to informal settlers in Metro Manila. In an interview with the Philippine media, Aquino said Metro Manila has 560,000 squatter families, or one out of four residents is an informal settler. On the other hand, one of the problems in the agriculture sector is the lack of farmers. “May problema sa both sides. Mayroon ding opportunity. We can give each of those 560,000 families two hectares of land. Baka give, baka lease, baka rent. Basta yung condition may bahay na itatayo para sa iyo, tatamnan mo, aalagaan mo, ang kita sa iyo. Pag inabandona mo, di mo tinupad yung patakaran babawiin," he said. Aquino said since the plan is still being developed, he cannot divulge details on who will receive the land, where it is located, and when the plan will be implemented. However, the government will prioritize those in the danger areas such as those living in the waterways. He said the comprehensive plan for informal settlers will be finished in a month’s time. The President believed this plan is better than just giving out houses. “Bibigyan ka ng 45 square meters, bahay mo sabihin natin 30 square meters. Ang matitira, iku-cultivate mo 15 square meters, wala ka naman kabuhayang mapapala dun," he explained. He said those who will be included as beneficiaries in the land distribution program will get a complete package. He also said the lands of the different government agencies will be put under the name of the Republic of the Philippines. “All details will be worked out after the plan has been presented and they will have the chance to talk with their members," he said. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News