Rest in Peace Ka Rene

I saw this man on that momentous day when the victorious farmers marched towards their reclaimed land. He scooped down a handful of earth and raised it up chanting the seemingly timeless cry of the Sumilao farmers.

Profile of Renato “Ka Rene” Penas

We will always remember the Walk for Sumilao Land, Walk for Justice
Campaign where 55 farmers from Barangay San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon
walked from Bukidnon to Manila for 2 months with a distance of 1700
kilometers. 10 years before this walk, the Sumilao Farmers likewise staged a
28-day hunger strike in front of DAR Central Office in Quezon City and Cagayan
de Oro City. Ka Rene Penas was one of those farmers who boldly registered
their disgust to the government for inefficient implementation of the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The enactment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law was thought to
benefit the small farmers as the law intends to respect their dignity. Though
sad to note, this law is sometimes used for the benefit of the few land owners
and to infringe the rights of the small farmers. Ka Rene Penas shares this
situation. He was, and still is, expose to various injustices happening to small
farmers. This is the very reason why Ka Rene never loses hope that someday
he will have his own farmland and personally till it, so that his family could
have a better life.
Ka Rene is a farmer since birth. As such, he is devoted to uplift the lives of his
fellows. He is known for his land reform advocacy not only in Sumilao,
Bukidnon but across the country. He has been an active member and a leader
to various farmers’ organizations and federations both in the local and national
level. At present, he is one of the Board Members of Mapadayunong
Panaghiusa sa mga Lumad Alang sa Damlag (MAPALAD), Chairperson of
Panaghiusa sa Lalawigang Mag-uuma sa Bukidnon (PALAMBU) and of
Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Magsasaka (PAKISAMA). Likewise, he is serving
for his 2nd term as Barangay Kagawad (Councilor) of Barangay San Vicente,
Sumilao, Bukidnon. He uses these venues and opportunities as a tool
advocating for the respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of the small
farmers.
The farmers’ organizations and federations mentioned where Ka Rene is a
member, are pushing for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program.

Ka Rene is married to Evangeline Penas and a father of 4 children.