The side road leading off Governor’s Drive in Dasmariñas, Cavite is lined with streamers with messages such as “Tunay na Reporma sa Lupa, Ipaglaban” and “Activism is not Terrorism.” At its entrance is a makeshift barrier made out of bamboo, some rope, and a tire. On the left, someone asks your purpose for visiting and then instructs you to register your details in a record book. This is Barangay Langkaan I, better known as Lupang Ramos.

Security was a bit tight when I arrived in Lupang Ramos. There was an incident the other day, but thankfully, the situation didn’t escalate. I asked Miriam Villanueva, one of the leaders in the community, what happened and, according to her, last February 5, 70 kontras—farmers who would rather be paid off by developers than keep the land—threatened to take some of the land held by the residents.

The threat of violence was real, but nothing ultimately came of it. As secretary general of the Katipunan ng mga Lehitimong Magsasaka at Mamamayan sa Lupang Ramos (KASAMA-LR), Ka Miriam has worked tirelessly in their fight to till the land that they believe should be theirs. In light of this, some residents jokingly refer to Lupang Ramos as “Miriamville,” but they also stress that if it wasn’t for Ka Miriam, they wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are today.

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Miriam Villanueva and her youngest son Ken. Ka Miriam is the secretary general of KASAMA-LR, the organization that fights for the residents' rights to the 372-ha. land of Lupang Ramos.