Church group pushes for DAR chief’s confirmation

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) is hoping that the Commission on Appointments (CA) will approve the appointment of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael Mariano. (Photo: NASSA/Caritas Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) is hoping that the Commission on Appointments (CA) will approve the appointment of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael Mariano.

“We urge the Commission on Appointments to confirm the appointment of Rafael ‘Ka Paeng’ Mariano as DAR Secretary, based on his commitment for farmers and the mandate of the Department, his track record and potential to alleviate poverty and hunger of our country through empowering our farmers,” said CBCP-NASSA chairman Archbishop Rolando Tirona in a statement.

The Catholic prelate is convinced that the DAR chief deserves the position based on his credentials.

“From our experience working with Mariano in the past year, we are convinced that he is the best person to lead DAR. Thus, he should be formally confirmed based on his qualification, experience, track record and his commitment to landless farmers,” he said.

Tirona added, “Our country needs good leadership, with a heart, to ensure the welfare of the poor and marginalized. We have one in the Department of Agrarian Reform.”

He said the DAR chief has continuously championed policies in support of farmers struggling to own their lands legitimately according to the Constitution and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The Catholic prelate also noted Mariano’s first order which was to protect farmers from being evicted, especially from Hacienda Luisita, and had motivated the farmers’ dream of land ownership.

“The appointment of Rafael Mariano as DAR Secretary is one of the fulfillment of the President’s promises for socio-economic reform of farming communities,” said Tirona.