Unfortunate Farm Laborers

During the fiesta celebration at our neighboring purok, I had a chance chatting with some hybrid rice farmers who are working under a corporation. They brought in to our discussion many issues on labor. I wondered why these problems, though open to public knowledge, are not addressed by the politicians? The present political scenarios in Metro Manila are somehow used by those who are interested to run by 2010. Are we ready to elect another leader? What qualities should we expect from him or her? Aside from the quality of being committed to address the issues on systematic corruption, should we not also seek a future leader who has the heart for the plight of the laborers?


In the editorial of the New City magazine that I just received, dated March 2008, entitled, The Human Person and Work, the issue on labor was highlighted. The editor raised the question: "Is the candidate sensitive to the rights of workers—like their right to a just wage; to a day of rest; to a work environment or manufacturing processes which are not harmful to workers’ health or their moral integrity, their right to have their personality in the workplace safeguarded without suffering any affront to their conscience or personal dignity, their right to appropriate subsidies needed for the subsistence of unemployed workers and their families; to a pension and to insurance for old age, sickness, and work-related accidents; their right to social security for maternity leave; their right to assemble and form associations?"

Going back to my discussion with that group of hybrid rice farmers, we noticed the very low wage laborers received from the corporation in the amount of PhP 80.00 per day. The worse fact is that people would sell their daily wage at PhP 70.00 just to receive it in advance because their daily wage are given every fifteen days. What can they buy with that money for a family of five members or so? Another observation was the laborers who are spraying insectisides without protective gears. It was also noticed that the laborers do not have an association that has bargaining power. I doubt if they have access to medical care. Farm laborers in Banaybanay are working even on Sundays.

It seems that what is important only for the corporation(s) was the production of the hybrid rice in order to gain their profit from it. They do not take into account what the Catholic social doctrine considers as equally important, "the manner in which they are produced and the level of equity achieved in the distribution of income, which should allow everyone access to what is necessary for their personal development and growth." I am not familiar with the labor laws of our country, but, I am pretty sure that the PhP 80.00/day is far below the minimum wage required by law.

The more alarming situation is the silence of both the local government and the religious groups regarding these issues. I believe that prayer has it's power to change human situations. But, I equally believe that persons charged with authority are responsible to see to it that their constituents are not victims of dehumanizing systems. Unless they themselves gain from those systems, they should open their ears to the silent cries of the people. If they are, they should convert in the spirit of Lent. The human-divine Jesus gave up his throne and lived poverty for the sake of the many. His action challenges each one of us to take effort to live for others, especially, the poor and break the chain of greed in this country.

Where should our communal action start? First, we should increase our awareness on the issues. We talked about our situation without fear. Second, we make a solid stance to stop this unscrupulous liberal capitalists in exploiting our lowly farm laborers. Third, we dialogue with our responsible government agencies and put pressure on them to address the problems with efficiency and impartiality.

One of these days, I hope to celebrate with the same farm laborers. But then they will not only be among the many visitors of our host. They themselves will turn to be our hosts because they are already emancipated from their unfortunate situation.