An Impact Analysis of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform in the Second District of Camarines Sur

As a developing country, the Philippines faces the challenge of alleviating poverty, especially in rural communities where farming is the primary source of income. Poverty in the Philippines is closely linked to the lack of access to agricultural land. In 2020, the government recognized this economic concern, considering rice as a staple food for most Filipinos and serves as the backbone of the country’s economy. That year, rice production contributed 20% of the total agricultural value of the Philippines through the efforts of approximately 2.1 million farmers (Agway Chemicals Corporation, 2020). Furthermore, as a staple food, rice accounted for more than 21% of calorie consumption and 76% of total rice intake among Southeast Asians (Mohidem et al., 2022). In 2021, the Philippines produced approximately 19.96 million metric tons of rice, harvested from about 4.81 million hectares, making a significant contribution to the agricultural sector. Despite this substantial production, the country remains a major rice importer, highlighting challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. Rice production accounts for 17% of the total agricultural output and provides employment for 2.4 million Filipino farmers (PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs, 2020). These circumstances emphasize the urgency of addressing land access issues to help uplift many Filipinos from poverty, particularly in rural areas. Limited access to land can be traced to the colonial-era landlord-tenant system, which created conflicts between landowners and tenants, particularly regarding ownership and control. Farmers demanded access to land, as it was their primary source of livelihood and sustenance (Frofunga et al., 2016).