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Monday, June 02, 2003
Flavier: The parable of the farmer's daughter
By Juan Flavier
THE farmer and his wife lived for only one purpose - to see one or all of their children obtain college degrees.
They scrimped and saved all the money earned from their diversified farming. Basic needs and comforts were sacrificed for the ultimate goal of the children's education. Food was meager, clothes were recycled, household amenities were non-existent.
Their sala was devoid of any furniture, not even the cheapest transistor radio. It was unbelievable but they did not have spoons or forks to speak of.
The reason the couple could consistently accept the dire discomfort was the clarity of their ambition. "We are investing in your future," both would invariably reply when the children complained on occasion.
"The only way out of poverty is your education. Money, you can lose. But a college education is yours forever."
Unfortunately, their dream immediately began to shatter with the realization that most of their offspring were not interested in higher education. It was as though the young ones felt exactly the opposite of their parents.
One by one, the children dropped out of high school. Nothing the couple could do changed the situation. They tried cajoling, bribing and even intimidating with no results except open rebellion. Two of the children eloped to escape their constant bickering and the pressure to go to college.
Finally, only one daughter remained. But she was not the brightest. She barely graduated from high school. As the barrio folks would say, "pasang awa (passed out of pity)."
On this daughter hinged the last vestiges of a crumbling life dream. And the moment the truth had come. She applied for admission to an exclusive college known for its high standard of education. The couple would not spare resources. Since only one would use the accumulated savings for education, they were ready to pay for anything.
All the papers were processed without a hitch. Only one document remained between the daughter and her full admission. The school wanted a letter from the parents on the leadership qualities of the girl.
The father could not lie. He was only a farmer but telling a lie was too high a price for him to pay admission of his daughter. He decided to tell the truth.
In his letter, the farmer admitted his daughter was not the leader type (pasimuno). But he added his girl was an excellent follower (tagasunod).
The school's reply was straightforward, "All the letters from the other parents claimed the ultimate in leadership qualities of their children. It is refreshing to know we will have one follower."
The farmer's daughter was accepted.
(June 2, 2003 issue)
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