The climax of the story arrives when Mando sets the rice field ablaze. This act symbolizes his defiance against the oppressive social and economic structures that have kept him impoverished. By burning down the field, Mando is not only seeking personal liberation but also initiating a potential collective awakening. The fire becomes a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope that might inspire other peasants to rise up and challenge the unjust systems that have held them captive for generations.
The climax of "Dahong Palay" is both a culmination of Mando's internal struggles and a potent metaphor for social revolution. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it propels Mando and the other peasants toward an uncertain but potentially transformative future.