Philippine Land Reform History

Philippine Land Reform

• Diosdado Macapagal introduced the Agricultural Land Reform Code.
• Native Filipinos were landholders, not owners, under the encomienda system during the Spanish Era.
• The Philippine Bill of 1902 allowed individuals to own up to 16 hectares and corporations 1,024 hectares of land, including agricultural lands for Americans.
• Peasant uprisings occurred during the American Era due to worsened land ownership issues (e.g., Colorum and Sakdalista movements).
• The Torrens System simplified and secured land registration.
• World War II interrupted land reform programs like the Rice Share Tenancy Act.
• Ramon Magsaysay's "Land to the Landless" program improved land tenure and distribution through NARRA.
• Diosdado Macapagal enacted RA 3844, abolishing share tenancy to encourage land ownership.
• Challenges in implementing the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) included insufficient post-distribution support services.
• Landowners used legal and political tactics to delay or block land transfers.
• The Constitution prioritizes democratic governance, human rights, and social justice.
• The voice of the people is supreme in a democracy.
• Civilian authority is superior to military authority.
• Equal protection and due process are guaranteed legal rights.
• Individuals cannot be imprisoned for debt without sufficient evidence of non-payment.
• Income tax is the primary source of government revenue.
• 2018 tax reform focused on reducing individual income tax.
• Japanese and Spanish colonial taxes included war taxes and poll taxes.
• Fast food services remain subject to VAT according to tax law.
• Traditional indigenous governance structures existed before colonization.

Indigenous Peoples' Rights

• Indigenous Peoples' rights are recognized under R.A. 8371.
• The NCIP promotes indigenous rights and helps resolve land disputes.
• Indigenous peoples can return to their homes after natural disasters.
• There is a difference in political views between the MILF and CPP-NDF.
• Cultural studies emphasize shared practices and processes rather than a static view of cultures.
• Cultural studies reveal how societies create and share meaning.
• The Higaonon are the people of the living mountains.
• Sharif Mohammed Kabungsuwan was an Islamic missionary.
• Fray Juan de San Nicolas and Father Francisco de la Madre de Dios were Christian missionaries in Cagayan.

Cagayan de Oro

• Cagayan de Oro was recognized as a city in 1950.
• Vicente Roa was a hero in the battle of Agusan.
• Max Suniel was the first mayor of Cagayan de Oro.
• Club Popular served as a meeting place for prominent figures.
• Capistrano Street, in Cagayan, was related to a local hero.
• Cagayan's name "De Oro" signifies its rich gold reserves.
• Preserving cultural heritage is important for maintaining identity and traditions.
• The Quirino-Recto Colonization Bill led to population growth in Mindanao.
• The relocation of a village during the Spanish Era was due to strategic defense needs.
• Dona Magdalena Bacuya facilitated missionary activities.
• Population growth in Cagayan was influenced by internal migration and conversions.
• The primary livelihood in Cagayan was farming.