4.5: POST-WAR INTERVENTIONS TOWARD AGRARIAN REFORM (READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY)

Summary

This video discusses post-war interventions in agrarian reform in the Philippines, highlighting key legislative actions under various administrations. The post-war government focused on rehabilitation and land resettlement, particularly through programs like the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA). The administration of Presidents Ramon Magsaysay and Diosdado Macapagal made significant strides in land reform with acts like Republic Act 1199 (Agricultural Tenancy Act) and Republic Act 3844 (Agricultural Land Reform Code), aiming to convert tenant farmers into landowners, improve farm productivity, and create a more equitable agricultural system.

Takeaways

• 🌍 After the war, the focus was on rehabilitation and rebuilding, addressing past problems.
• 📜 President Roxas passed Republic Act No. 3470 to address agrarian reform.
• 🏞️ The Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO) was established to expand the resettlement program, later renamed the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA).
• 🏛️ President Ramon Magsaysay emphasized a genuine land reform program and convinced Congress to pass legislation to improve the land reform situation.
• ⚖️ Republic Act No. 1199, known as the Agricultural Tenancy Act, governed relationships between landholders and tenant farmers, creating the Court of Agrarian Relations in 1955.
• 🏦 The Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA) and Agricultural and Industrial Bank were created to support farmers in acquiring homesteads and other farmlands.
• 🚜 NARRA aimed to accelerate resettlement programs, distributing agricultural lands to landless tenants and farmers, and encouraging former rebels to become peaceful citizens.
• 📈 President Diosdado Macapagal’s Republic Act No. 3844, the Agricultural Land Reform Code, was a significant milestone in land reform.
• 👩‍🌾 The code aimed to establish owner-cultivatorship, abolish share tenancy, and convert tenant farmers into independent owners.
• 🏡 The code also focused on freeing tenants from exploitative practices, improving productivity, and distributing public lands to small, independent farmers.

Q & A

What was the focus of rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts after the war?

The focus of rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts after the war was to address problems from the past, specifically land reform and agricultural issues.

What was Republic Act No. 3470, and which administration enacted it?

Republic Act No. 3470 was enacted during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay. It focused on improving the land reform situation by promoting genuine land reforms.

What was the purpose of the Land Settlement Development Corporation (Laido), and which president established it?

The Land Settlement Development Corporation (Laido) was established by President Elpidio Quirino to accelerate and expand the resettlement program for peasants.

How did Laido evolve under later administrations?

Laido later became the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARA) under President Ramon Magsaysay’s administration.

What was the importance of Republic Act No. 1199, also known as the Agricultural Tenancy Act?

Republic Act No. 1199, or the Agricultural Tenancy Act, was passed to govern the relationship between landholders and tenant farmers. It established the Court of Agricultural Relations to address tenancy issues.

What institutions were established to support farmers during this period?

The Agricultural Tenancy Commission and the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA) were established to address tenancy problems and provide credit assistance to farmers.

How did NARA contribute to the government's resettlement program?

NARA accelerated the government's resettlement program and the distribution of agricultural lands to landless tenants and farmers, while also aiming to reintegrate members of rebel movements.

What significant progress in land reform occurred during President Diosdado Macapagal's term?

During President Diosdado Macapagal's term, Republic Act No. 3844, also known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code, was passed. It abolished share tenancy and aimed to convert tenant farmers into owner-cultivators.

What were the key goals of Republic Act No. 3844 (Agricultural Land Reform Code)?

The goals of RA 3844 were to establish owner-cultivatorship, ensure a dignified existence for small farmers, create a viable agricultural structure, apply labor laws equally, and promote land resettlement and public land distribution.

How did RA 3844 impact share tenancy in the Philippines?

RA 3844 abolished share tenancy in the Philippines and initiated a program to convert tenant farmers into owner-cultivators, emphasizing farmer independence and productivity.