Concern Letter

LETTER OF CONCERN

You can use sample letter as given below or you can type in a new one on your own. However, please bear in mind that we won't be successful to reach the objectives of the campaign if the words we have selected is impolite or inconsiderate. We are asking for the recipients' supports on the suggested solution as provided by the farmers and KMP. To make them understand and believe on the benefit of the suggested solution will very much depend on how we put it.

Hon. Ester Garcia
Chairperson
Commission on Higher Education
Development Academy of the Philippines Bldg.
Pasig City, Philippines

Copy:

Dr. Mardonio Lao
President
Central Mindanao University
University Town
Musuan, Bukidnon
Philippines

Dear Madam,

I would like to relay to you my concerns about the 
eviction threat against some 800 farming families 
from 400 hectares of the Central Mindanao University 
premises. I believe that as a farming school, the 
CMU ought to forge a partnership with the farmers 
because they devoted their lives to make the 
university a real training school for food security 
of the people.

I am alarmed that Dr. Lao, the school's president, 
is using undemocratic methods in forcing out the 
farmers and suppressing the opposition among the 
students, faculty and staff of CMU. Lao is reportedly 
sending private guards to harass the farmers and scare 
the students who might sympathize with them. Dr. Lao 
derisively calls the farmers "squatters" while he 
would prefer big corporations to profit from the land's 
productivity.

I am aware that the Supreme Court has ruled that the 
CMU lands are in the custody of the state and cannot 
be alienated and disposed. Therefore, I believe that 
the lands should be used in the interest of the 
majority of Filipinos, the peasants. You will certainly 
agree with me that laws should serve the people and 
should not be tools that add to poverty, suffering and 
conflict.

I simply ask that the farmers be given the fullest sense 
of justice and fairness, because they have already 
respected the ruling and they deserve the guarantee of 
equitable sharing of the nation's wealth. Therefore, I 
support the request of the BUFFALO, Tamaraw and Limus 
groups of farmers to be given first priority in leasing 
the CMU farmlands. I ask for the withdrawal of all armed 
guards from the farmers' lands and for a just and fair
settlement of the conflict in the interest of the 
farmers. Please instruct CMU's administration to take 
immediate and appropriate action.

I would greatly appreciate you keeping me informed about 
any future developments in this case.

Name:

E-mail address:

Organisation:

Country:

Copy:

Rep. Abdullah S. Mangotara
Chairperson
Committee on Agrarian Reform
Congress of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Batasan Hills, Quezon City,
Philippines
Fax (632) 931-6888

Rep. Dante Liban
Chairperson
House Committee on Higher Education
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax (632) 9514333

Senator Teresita Aquino Oreta
Chairperson
Senate Committee on Higher and Technical Education
Congress of the Philippines, Senate
Room 516 GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard
Pasay City
Email: legis@i-manila.com.ph