The Macapagal Presidency: The Land Reform Program and the Change of Independence Day (1961-1965)

Diosdado Macapagal, the 9th President of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965, implemented significant reforms during his tenure. One of his key focuses was agrarian reform, aiming to uplift the lives of farmers and promote economic development. Macapagal also prioritized rice sufficiency to ensure food security for the nation. Additionally, he made a notable change to the country’s Independence Day, shifting it from July 4 to June 12, symbolizing a more inclusive and independent celebration.

Furthermore, Macapagal implemented decontrol measures during his presidency, allowing for more liberalization of the national economy. These measures aimed to stimulate growth and foster entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Under the Macapagal presidency, agrarian reform was a top priority, focusing on uplifting the lives of farmers.
• Rice sufficiency was emphasized to ensure food security for the nation.
• The change of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12 symbolized a shift towards a more inclusive and independent celebration.
• Macapagal implemented decontrol measures to liberalize the national economy and stimulate growth.

Pre-Spanish Period

In the pre-Spanish period, the social structure in the Philippines was characterized by distinct classes. At the top of the hierarchy were the chiefs or datus, who held positions of power and authority. Below them were the maharlikas, freemen who enjoyed certain privileges. The aliping mamamahay were serfs, bound to the land they worked on, while the aliping saguiguilid were slaves, who had to serve their masters.

But despite these divisions, one thing united everyone—the abundance of the fruits of the soil. Agriculture played a crucial role in the lives of the people, with rice being the primary medium of exchange.

Spanish Period

The Spanish Period in the Philippines witnessed the introduction of the encomienda system, which initially aimed to grant certain individuals the right to collect tribute from the native Filipinos. However, this system soon turned into an abuse of power, as the tribute transformed into hefty land rents paid to powerful landlords.

Under the encomienda system, native Filipinos who once cultivated the lands in freedom found themselves becoming share tenants. The abusive practices of powerful landlords created an unjust system where the tenants were burdened with heavy rents, often at the expense of their own livelihoods.

“The encomienda system, which began with the noble intention of establishing order and promoting the welfare of the people, unfortunately degenerated into a tool for the exploitation and oppression of the native Filipinos.” – Historian

Effects of the Abusive Land System

The abuse of power within the encomienda system had severe consequences for the indigenous population. The native Filipinos, who were once the rightful cultivators of the land, were relegated to the status of share tenants, their freedom to work the land as they saw fit stripped away.

The exploitative nature of the encomienda system hindered the economic progress of the native Filipinos. Instead of reaping the benefits of their labor, they were forced to submit to exorbitant land rents, leaving little room for personal and economic growth.

Furthermore, the abusive power dynamics perpetuated by the encomenderos stifled the potential development of the agricultural sector. The lack of ownership and control over the land discouraged innovation and limited productivity, resulting in a stagnant agricultural economy.

The Need for Agrarian Reform

The oppressive nature of the encomienda system highlighted the urgent need for agrarian reform in the Philippines. It became clear that the existing system only served to benefit a small elite, while suppressing the majority of the population.

The plight of the share tenants and the abuse of power underscored the importance of addressing land rights and promoting equitable distribution of resources. Efforts were required to dismantle the oppressive encomienda system and create a framework that empowered small farmers and ensured their economic stability.

Historical Documentation

Historical documents and records provide insights into the struggles faced by native Filipinos during the Spanish Period:

American Period

The American Period in the Philippines brought about significant legislation that greatly impacted land and tenancy. This era, which spanned from the early 20th century to the mid-1940s, introduced several laws that shaped the country’s land ownership and tenancy system.

Philippine Bill of 1902

The Philippine Bill of 1902 was a crucial piece of legislation that established limits on how much land private individuals and corporations could acquire. It aimed to prevent the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few, ensuring a fair distribution of resources.

Land Registration Act of 1902

The Land Registration Act of 1902 introduced the Torrens system for land titling, which provided a more efficient and secure process for registering land ownership. This system facilitated the documentation and transfer of land titles, bringing transparency and stability to the land market.

Public Land Act of 1903

The Public Land Act of 1903 established the homestead system, which allowed individuals to acquire public land for agricultural purposes. This law enabled landless farmers to become landowners, promoting agricultural development and rural prosperity.

Tenancy Act of 1933

The Tenancy Act of 1933 addressed the relationship between landowners and tenants in rice and sugar cane lands. It regulated tenancy agreements, ensuring fair treatment of tenants and protecting them from exploitative practices. This act aimed to create a more equitable and balanced agricultural sector.

The legislation enacted during the American Period laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and regulated land and tenancy system in the Philippines. These laws aimed to ensure equitable land distribution, promote agricultural development, and protect the rights of farmers and tenants.

Commonwealth Period

During the Commonwealth Period, President Manuel L. Quezon implemented the “Social Justice” program to address social unrest in the Philippines. In an effort to achieve a fairer and more equitable society, several significant laws were enacted.

1. Commonwealth Act No. 178: This law provided controls in landlord-tenant relationships, ensuring the protection of tenant rights and preventing exploitation.
2. Commonwealth Act No. 461: Specifically, this act specified the reasons for tenant dismissal, ensuring that tenants were not unjustly evicted from their lands.
3. Republic Act No. 1400: This crucial legislation created the Land Tenure Administration, which was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of large tenanted rice and corn lands, ensuring that these valuable resources were used to benefit the Filipino people.

These laws under the “Social Justice” program aimed to bring about social and economic reforms, promoting fairness and land ownership in the country. They played a vital role in addressing the land tenure issues prevalent during the Commonwealth Period, laying the groundwork for future agrarian reforms in the Philippines.

Japanese Occupation

During the Japanese Occupation, Central Luzon fell under the control of the Hukbalahap, an anti-Japanese group. In the midst of the occupation, many peasants who supported the Japanese seized the opportunity to claim the lands owned by landlords. As a result, these landlords lost their lands to the peasants who now aligned themselves with the Hukbalahap.

“We will fight for the rights and welfare of the peasants and workers,” said one Hukbalahap leader. “The Japanese occupation has created an opportunity for us to rise up against the oppressive landowners.”

The arrival of the Japanese forces also led to the growth of various peasant and worker organizations. The peasants, facing an uncertain future under the Japanese occupation, took up arms and joined the Hukbalahap to fight against both the Japanese and the landlords who had exploited them for years.

Peasant Organizations and Japanese Support

The Japanese occupation allowed peasants to find strength and unity through various organizations. They joined forces, established committees, and organized themselves to fight for their rights and resist oppressive landlords. The Hukbalahap, with its anti-Japanese stance, provided a platform for these organizations to align themselves and work towards a common goal.

1. Peasant Organizations:

• Bayan Muna
• KMP (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas)
• PAMALAKAYA (Pambansang Alyansa ng mga Magdaragat sa Pilipinas)

• Arming of peasants
• Training in guerrilla warfare
• Access to resources and supplies

Philippine Republic

After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines faced persistent land tenure problems. Several Philippine presidents implemented reforms to address these challenges and provide support for farmers and share tenants.

President Manuel A. Roxas took action by enacting Republic Act No. 34 and Republic Act No. 55, which aimed to address land tenure issues and promote agricultural development.

President Elpidio R. Quirino continued the reforms with the implementation of Executive Order No. 355. This executive order further strengthened land reform efforts and aimed to improve the plight of farmers and share tenants.

President Ramon Magsaysay played a vital role in strengthening land reform during his presidency. He implemented several essential acts, including Republic Act No. 1160, Republic Act No. 1199, Republic Act No. 1400, and Republic Act No. 821. These acts provided comprehensive support for farmers, share tenants, and the overall development of the agricultural sector.

Through these initiatives, Presidents Roxas, Quirino, and Magsaysay endeavored to tackle the land tenure problems in the Philippines and promote the welfare of farmers and share tenants.

President Macapagal’s Land Reform Program

Under President Diosdado P. Macapagal’s leadership, the Philippines experienced significant changes in its agricultural sector through the implementation of Republic Act No. 3844, commonly known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code. This landmark legislation aimed to address land tenure problems and create a more equitable system for farmers.

The key features of President Macapagal’s land reform program included:

1. Abolition of Share Tenancy: Republic Act No. 3844 marked the abolition of share tenancy, a system that disadvantaged farmers by obligating them to pay a portion of their harvest to landowners as rent. This move aimed to empower farmers and provide them with a fair share of their produce.
2. Institutionalization of the Leasehold System: The law introduced the leasehold system, which enabled tenant farmers to lease agricultural land directly from the government or landowners. This arrangement provided greater security of tenure and allowed farmers to invest in their farms without fear of eviction.
3. Retention Limit: To promote more equitable land distribution, Republic Act No. 3844 set a retention limit of 75 hectares for landowners. This limit aimed to prevent excessive land concentration and ensure that more land would be available for distribution to landless farmers.
4. Rights of Preemption and Redemption: The legislation granted tenant farmers the rights of preemption and redemption, allowing them the first opportunity to purchase or lease the agricultural land they were cultivating. This provision aimed to empower farmers by giving them the opportunity to become landowners themselves.
5. Administrative and Judicial System: Republic Act No. 3844 established an administrative and judicial system to handle agrarian cases and resolve disputes. This system provided a legal mechanism for farmers to protect their rights and seek redress in land-related matters.
6. Support Services: To assist farmer beneficiaries, President Macapagal’s land reform program included the provision of extension services, marketing support, and supervised credit. These services aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, improve access to markets, and provide financial resources for farmers.

The implementation of President Macapagal’s land reform program marked a significant milestone in the country’s agrarian reform efforts. By abolishing share tenancy and implementing the leasehold system, the government aimed to create a more just and equitable agricultural sector that prioritized the welfare of farmers. The retention limit, administrative and judicial system, and support services further strengthened the implementation of the reform measures.

Conclusion

Diosdado Macapagal’s presidency left a lasting legacy in the Philippines, particularly in the fields of agrarian reform and rice sufficiency. Through his implementation of land reform laws, Macapagal aimed to improve the lives of farmers and drive economic development in the country. His focus on increasing rice production contributed to the Philippines’ self-sufficiency in this important staple crop.

Another significant change introduced by Macapagal was the shift of Independence Day from July 4th to June 12th. This decision symbolized a move towards a more inclusive and independent celebration, aligning the country’s independence with the historic proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898.

Macapagal’s efforts in agrarian reform and rice sufficiency continue to shape the Philippines today. The land reform laws he enacted provided tenant farmers with more secure rights and opportunities, while his emphasis on rice production helped to ensure food security and support the agricultural sector. Additionally, the change in Independence Day reflects the country’s commitment to its own unique history and the spirit of freedom.

Source Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diosdado_Macapagal
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Diosdado-Macapagal
• https://www.dar.gov.ph/about-us/agrarian-reform-history/