DAR Finally Opens Long-Time Welded Gates

Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano literally opened the gates of his office to the public.

The driveway gates of the Department of Agrarian Reform have been closed, locked and welded for about 18 years to keep protesters out of the office.

Among the group of protesters is Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, which Mariano is a founding member and former chair.

“This symbolizes that DAR, on all levels, will maintain open. We will follow a policy of continuing open and productive dialogues between the officials and employees of DAR and other stakeholders of agrarian reform, especially our farmers and agricultural workers, and advocates,” Mariano said.

“This serves to remove all fences, walls between the officials and employees of DAR, and our stakeholders,” he added.

“What I have to hold onto, as the new secretary of DAR, is that I am truly from a family of farmers. I have been with KMP for more than 30 years and I have almost nine years’ experience as representative of Anakpawis in Congress,” Mariano said.

Mariano also mentioned that all citizens, even protesters are welcome to the DAR.
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