In your own personal assessment, do you think the Agrarian Reforms efforts by the government served its purpose to become beneficial to farmers?
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Answer:
Agrarian reform in the Philippines seeks to solve the centuries-old problem of landlessness in rural areas. Through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) initiated in 1987, the government addressed key national goals: the promotion of equity and social justice, food security and poverty alleviation in the countryside. After over 14 years of the CARP, however, the programme is yet to be completed and is currently burdened with major issues - from opposition by landlords and lack of support from legislators, to wide gaps in fund resources.
Various studies, however, have shown that agrarian reform has had a significant impact on farmer beneficiaries. Increased per capita incomes, reduced poverty incidence, higher investments in physical capital, and greater household welfare and productivity were reported, aside from social justice and peace attained in the countryside. Land redistribution alone was not enough to liberate the small farmer from poverty and ensure the success of the CARP. Support services for the agrarian reform communities became pivotal in enhancing food security and building infrastructures that promote food production, enhance community trading and increase rural household income.
Despite the many serious setbacks to the CARP's full implementation, and given the positive results of the various impact studies, this article shares the view of many observers that the CARP's overall performance is positive and encouraging. It has clearly benefited a significant portion of the rural population through its various programmes intended to alleviate poverty, ensure food security, and empower people towards the overall development of the country.