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The Calatagan farmers are walking on their fourth day since they
began their Lakbay Kalampag para sa Lupang Pansakahan on Monday.
During the last three days, the walking Calatagan farmers spent the
nights in Balayan, Lemery and Batangas City. They have logged 98
kilometers in the first three days and will be crossing the 100th
kilometer mark on their 40-kilometer leg from Batangas City to Lipa
City. Gari Lazaro, coordinator of the Calatagan march, said that
the first two days were the most punishing for the marchers. “The
farmers have already adjusted. On the third day, they walk as if
they are one body at times at a pace of eight kilometers per hour.
The distance, the pace and the heat are punishing but they are
inspired by the gestures of support they receive along the way”
Lazaro said.
In Lemery, Batangas last Tuesday, the Calatagan
farmers were welcomed by Fr. Lito Malibiran, parish priest of San
Roque Parish, who celebrated the Mass with the farmers. They spent
the evening in the parish and were provided with food and fresh
water. Fr. Mabiliran is also the chairperson of the ecology
committee of the Archdiocese of Lipa.
In Batangas City on Wednesday, Mayor Eddie
Dimacuha made arrangements for the Calatagan farmers to be housed at
the Batangas East Elementary School. He also dispatched a medical
team from the Batangas City Health Office to provide the farmers
medical checkup as well as medicines. Barangay Chairman Robert
Mendoza also expressed his support to the farmers and donated rice
and canned goods.
Ka Virgie Dimalaluan, spokesperson of the
Calatagan farmers, said that they were touched by the show of
support from the church and local governments. She said that even
ordinary people extend gestures of support. “We are inspired by
even the smallest gesture of support form the ordinary people we
pass by. Some hand us food and water and even money from their
pockets,” Dismalaluan said.
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