Negros Occidental Farmers Expresses Frustration Over Alleged Land Grabbing by Poultry Farm and Livestock Firm
A group of farmers in Murcia, Negros Occidental has staged a protest a poultry farm over unlawful takeover of land they have been cultivating.
The affected farmers are members of the Hacienda Michaela Farmers and Farm Workers Association. According to them, the disputed property covers around 22 hectares and has long been used for farming under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Residents and farmers said they have already been feeling the effects of the poultry farm’s expansion. Some complained about the strong odor coming from the area, while others claimed that the condition of nearby water sources has worsened.
Several farmers also reported losses involving crops and livestock, which they believe are connected to the operations of the facility.
The farmers explained that they had been planting sugarcane, corn, bananas, sweet potatoes, lemongrass, and other crops on the land. However, they said their livelihood was affected when portions of the property were allegedly fenced off by the company in 2025.
The dispute became more serious in January 2026 when the farmers claimed that some of their crops were destroyed during land-clearing activities. They said years of hard work and investments in farming were lost, leaving many families struggling to recover.
Members of the association also questioned why the company was allowed to continue its operations despite the land reportedly being covered by a Notice of Coverage issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform in 2008.
They argued that the property should remain under agrarian reform and be awarded to qualified beneficiaries.
The farmers have repeatedly brought their concerns to government agencies, hoping for a clear resolution to the issue. They continue to insist that they have legitimate rights to the land and are calling on authorities to carefully review the situation.
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