|
Monday, September 20, 2004
Flavier: The parable of the pig raiser
By Juan Flavier
THE old man had bred and fattened pigs all his life. His family of six got by solely on the income from his piggery. He was particularly proud of the fact that all his children attained a college degree. However, there was a point of continuing conflict between the pig raiser and his educated children--his stubborn adherence to antiquated methods of raising pigs.
"It's about time you shifted to the more modern systems of piggery," his oldest son suggested. "It is really a shame to have all this filth and stench all around our premises."
"I have raised pigs this way since the beginning and I will raise them this way until I die," declared the old man. "Do not forget, it was my unscientific way of pig raising that fed you all and sent all of you to school."
"We will always appreciate that, Tatay, `till our dying days," commented the eldest daughter affectionately. "But you must change with the times. After all, it is now 1999, not 1949."
"Alright, convince me," challenged their old father with a smile. "Why should I shift to the so-called modern method. What advantages are there?"
"Father, all these years you have raised pigs under the house and all around the yard," began the youngest son. "Doing it is so unsanitary. It is a health risk."
"If you are correct, why is it that I have not lost a single pig in all this time?"
"He meant it is not good for our health--yours as well as ours," butted in the oldest child.
"You are all healthy and I am not yet dead. So what advantage are you talking about?" pursued the father with a tender but naughty smile.
The youngest daughter tried her luck. "If you raise pigs in a modern designed pen, it will be more orderly and tidy. The pigs can be cared for properly. What is more, you will save a lot of time with an organized feeding and tending system."
The old man stood up to indicate the discussion was over. But as an afterthought, he blurted, "What is time to a pig anyway?"
"One of your pigs has a deformed leg," said the youngest as evidence of an effect of the unsanitary conditions.
Still standing, the old man flashed a big smile revealing his toothless gums. "Oh, that. God put that deformity for people who are always looking for something to criticize."
(September 20, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
