2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 9
Available Online: 20 May 2025
Author/s:
David, Precious Mae
Leyte Normal University, Philippines (2102132@lnu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
The food consumed by every Filipino comes from the agricultural sector, farmers who work tirelessly but are constantly challenged by various hardships and struggles. Each grain of food is paid for with their blood and sweat. To explore the challenges faced by farmers, this study analyzes the short story “Tata Selo” by Rogelio R. Sicat, which centers on social issues, particularly justice and the inequality of farmers’ rights in Philippine society. The study is grounded in a qualitative research design and employs content analysis in applying theoretical frameworks. Through the lenses of existentialism, Marxism, and sociological theory, the characteristics of the main characters were examined: Tata Selo, being loving, hardworking, valuing property, principled, and courageous; and in contrast, Kabesang Tano, who is portrayed as elitist, arrogant, and abusive. The study also investigated social issues such as the conflict between the rich and the poor, and the symbolism of justice within the text. Symbols such as the detention cell, tears running down the cheek, the bars, the chief’s physical abuse, the crowd looking at Tata Selo as though he were an unusual animal on display, the mention of Saling with the Mayor, and the statement that “everything was taken from them,” all reflect the kind of justice system in the Philippines. The study revealed the continuing presence of an oppressive social system in which farmers remain victims of violence, exploitation, and injustice. The analysis shows that the story reflects the realities of both past and present Philippine society and aims to open discourse toward deeper understanding and reform of the social system, particularly in the protection of farmers’ rights.
Keywords: farmers, inequality, justice, Pilipino, rights
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25110
Cite this article:
David, P. M. (2025). Pantay na Karapatan para Kanino: Sipa’t Suri sa Akdang Tata Selo ni Rogelio R. Sicat. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(9), 177-191. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25110