Agrarian Reform is about sharing land with landless tillers. It is equally about developing the capacity of the landless-turned-landholders to become profitable, environmentally-sound agricultural producers operating within a social, economic, technological and political environment that works in their favor.
It is all about economic viability and ecological integrity. It promotes the competitive advantage of the country in agriculture while seeing to it that productive resources are protected from abuse. Above all, it is about equity, for it is an investment in social justice and peace - the milieu fundamental to economic growth and holistic development. Making millions of small farmers owners of the land they till gives them a stake in society. Owner-cultivatorship also releases their potentials as producers and consumers. But it will not come about without extraordinary political will based on a clear understanding of socio-economic, political and cultural realities. It will succeed only if the farmers and farmworkers demand its implementation and participate in the process.
KAISAHAN is committed to help accelerate program implementation and facilitate beneficiaries' participation in all aspects and stages of agrarian reform and rural development including democratic participation in governance.
MISSION
Facilitate agrarian reform implementation and sustainable rural development alongside marginalized groups, especially small farmers and farmworkers and other stakeholders at the national and local level toward the formation of sustainable integrated area development (SIAD) communities where people are empowered and have COCO:
Creative, collection and critical consciousness-raising;
Organizational development;
Coalition building and advocacy work;
Overcoming gender and other biases;
All these leading to sustainable development marked by BREAD:
Basic services delivery;
Resource tenure improvement;
Economic self reliance and strengthening;
Agricultural development and ecological nurturance;
Democratic participation in governance.
HISTORY
The enactment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) on June 15, 1988 signaled the beginning of new era for advocates of agrarian reform and rural development (ARRD). At that time, the new law was under severe criticisms from ARRD advocates because of many loopholes that could spell disaster in actual program implementation.
In 1990, former Sec. Florencio "Butch" Abad was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform. Unfortunately, his stint with the DAR was cut short after a few months. His group, however, decided to pursue agrarian reform advocacy even while working outside the government. They believed that despite the flaws of the law, certain provisions can still be maximized for the benefit of small farmers and farm workers.
With this optimistic note, Kaisahan tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan or Solidarity Towards Countryside Development and Agrarian Reform (also known as Kaisahan) was formed on June 5, 1990.
VISION
Empowered and sustainable communities of women and men; building a Philippines with an activist state that is civil society-biased; a people-led economy which sustainable provides for its growing needs based on sound agricultural development and industry; of citizens constantly vigilant of their rights and freedom, nurturing spirituality, caring for each other and the earth and enhancing our nation's rich yet diverse cultural heritage; towards building a world free from inequity, injustices and prejudices, with global cooperation among co-equal sovereign striving for peace and environmental soundness for future generations.
NATURE
Kaisahan is a social development organization promoting a sustainable and humane society through the empowerment of marginalized groups in rural areas, especially among farmers and farmworkers, to undertake their own development, participate fully in democratic processes and demand their rightful share in the stewardship of the land and the fruits of their labor.
GOALS
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Faster, Fairer and More Meaningful LTI
Facilitate land tenure improvement in area specific barangays and municipalities.
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Building SIAD Communities
Development of SIAD communities in partnership with local POs, like minded NGOs, reform oriented GOs-LGUs, church-based agencies, academe and research institutions and other stakeholders.
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Promoting the SIAD Approach
Promote SIAD as a development approach among national and/or local based NGOs, SDOs, PO, LGUs and multilateral donor agencies.
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Active People's Policy Engagement, Advocacy and Lobby
Create or reinforce a political and policy environment favorable to agrarian reform and rural development.
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Democratic of Local Politics and Governance
Facilitate the creation of an environment that encourages democratic participation in local politics and governance.
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Faster, Fairer and More Meaningful LTI
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
Office of the Executive Director
Mr. Anthony N. Marzan
Executive Director
Ms. Maricel A. Tolentino
Deputy Executive Director
Ms. Gillian Marie M. Cruz
Project Development and Monitoring Officer
Ms. Janet Y. Divino
Project Development and Monitoring Officer
Administrative and Finance Unit
Ms. Liezle S. Sabinorio
Finance Officer
Ms. Daizy Mae M. Soriano
Bookkeeper
Mr. Luis J. Borja
Administrative Assistant
Policy Advocacy, Campaigns and Legal Affairs Unit
Atty. Mary Claire A. Demaisip
Legal Coordinator
Atty. Rolly Francis C. Peoro
Legal Officer
Ms. Kimberly B. Alvarez
Policy Advocacy and Campaign Officer
Land Tenure Improvement and Support Services Unit
Mr. Gil A. Portillo
Area Coordinator
Mr. Gilbert Negad
Area Coordinator
Mr. Jared Lagahit
Land Tenure and Improvement Officer
Mr. Edmond Carpeso
Livelihood and Support Officer
Ms. Editha B. Manto
Community Organizer
Ms. Merlyn R. Dela Cruz
Community Organizer
Mr. Leomar O. Magbato, Jr.
Community Organizer
Mr. Efraim A. Belacas
Community Organizer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Atty. Florencio B. Abad
Chairman Emeritus
Mr. Victor Gerardo J. Bulatao
Chairperson
Mr. Anthony Marzan
President
Atty. Janice L. Co
Secretary
Ms. Jane Lynn D. Capacio
Treasurer
Atty. Marlon J. Manuel
Member
Atty. Normita V. Batula
Member
Atty. Ma. Lourdes Zerelda S. Pacuribot
Member
Hon. Tomasito S. Villarin
Member
Atty. Magistrado A. Mendoza, Jr.
Member
Ms. Kimberly B. Alvarez
Staff Representative
KAISAHAN is supported by
KAISAHAN is a member of the following networks: