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Wednesday, October 16, 2002
FLAVIER: The parable of the better landowner
By Juan Flavier
TWO dirt farmers were in a friendly but heated discussion. Neither refused to give in to the other's comment. For the implications of the issue reached their stature in life.
"My hacendero (landowner) is better than yours," said the first farmer. "I only have to give as rental a mere 25 percent of the rice yield even if he provides all the necessary inputs including seeds, fertilizers and insecticides."
"That is certainly quite liberal," countered the second farmer. "But my hacendero gives exactly the same terms. In addition, I am allowed to grow a secondary crop of vegetables. And I get to keep all the income from his cash crop."
The first farmer paused before pressing his point. "Aha! You must remember, my hacendero allows me to draw a liberal vale (cash advance) as my needs arise relating to sickness, or other emergencies."
"How about thhis?" interposed the second farmer. "All the expenses for the fiesta are shouldered by my hacendero. We do not have to spend one centavo for food, drink, or any preparations. He takes care of everything. All we have to do is attend and celebrate with him."
"That seems quite decent of him," commented the first farmer. "But mine is even more considerate. You see, he often drives around in his air-conditioned car. When he sees someone from our barrio, he immediately stops the car and invites that person to ride with him. They even drive back to the palatial mansion of my hacendero.
"The visitor is fed a sumptuous meal. All the attention and all the courtesies. Since it is late, the visitor is even made to stay the night. Can you believe it? My hacendero is so good he even asks the visitor to sleep with him in his large thick-cushioned bed!"
"Wow! That is really something," exclaimed the second
farmer. "Did that ever happen to you?"
Reluctantly, the first farmer muttered, "Well, no. Not to me. But it happened to my younger sister." |
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