RPH, CHAPTER 4: Policies on Agrarian Reform,Landownership under Spain & Americans, & Sakdal Uprising

Agrarian reform is defined as the rectification of the agricultural system, aiming to distribute land ownership more equitably among farmers. It's crucial for the Philippine economy, as nearly half the population works in agriculture. This reform plays a vital role in the country's economic and social structure, addressing issues of production, distribution, and the political and economic class character of farming. Genuine agrarian reform could uplift Filipino farmers from poverty and discontent.

During Spanish colonization, the Pueblo system was introduced, organizing scattered rural communities into pueblos and providing them land to cultivate. However, families were not allowed to own land, as the King of Spain was the sole owner. Filipinos were assigned to work the land and paid colonial tributes in agricultural products. The 'encomienda' system, which developed later, was unfair and abusive. Farmers were forced to sell products cheaply or surrender them, and were required to render services unrelated to farming. The 'hacienda' system evolved in the 19th century, leading to land registration laws that primarily benefited those knowledgeable and wealthy enough to register land, displacing many Filipino families. This led to numerous agrarian revolts.

The Americans recognized landlessness as a major cause of social unrest and attempted to improve conditions by increasing small landholders. The Philippine Bill of 1902 allowed private individuals to own 16 hectares and corporations 1,024 hectares, with Americans also gaining rights to agricultural lands. The Land Registration Act (Act No. 496) introduced the Torrens system for land titles, and the homestead program allowed tenants to acquire at least 16 hectares. Despite these efforts, land ownership did not significantly improve for Filipinos. Land holdings had no size limits, and access to land ownership was restricted to those who could afford to buy or register. Many former friar lands were sold to American and Filipino business interests instead of landless farmers. This lack of support mechanisms forced many back into tenancy, worsening conditions and leading to widespread peasant uprisings.

The Sakdal or Sakdalista Uprising was a peasant rebellion in Central Luzon from May 2-3, 1935. Though quickly crushed, it highlighted the deep social inequality and issues of land ownership. The word 'sakdal' means 'to accuse' and was the title of a newspaper by Benigno Ramos, which garnered support and led to the establishment of the Partido Sakdalista in 1933. They demanded reforms like tax abolition and equal land ownership, opposing gradual independence from the US. Despite a strong showing in the 1934 elections, their attempted uprising led to its collapse. During the Commonwealth government, peasant uprisings increased, and President Quezon's social justice program, which included purchasing haciendas and assisting farmers, faced problems like budget allocation, ultimately failing due to these issues and the onset of World War II.