ILOILO City – In the bustling streets of Mandurriao district, two women stand as pillars of strength and resilience, proving that the heart of the family does not rest solely on the shoulders of men.
They are among the unsung heroes of Iloilo’s waste management sector, women who, despite the exhausting and often overlooked nature of their work, continue to forge a brighter future for their families.
This National Women’s Month, we turn the spotlight on Marites Alinsangao and Vivian Silla, two “waste pickers” from the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Calajunan Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao. For them, every bag of recyclables collected is not just a source of income, but a lifeline to better lives for their children. Their stories are a testament to the silent labor that sustains families, communities, and economies.
Alinsangao, a 45-year-old mother, has spent the last three years collecting recyclable materials at the landfill. Day after day, from Monday to Friday, she dons her protective gear – mask, gloves, boots, and hard hat – to face the piles of trash.
“Waay kami naga-obra sang malain. Para ‘ni sa amon mga kabataan para makatibawas kami sa ulihi,” said Alinsangao.
Though the work is gruelling, the rewards are worth it. Alinsangao earns not less than P1,000 per week, an amount that ensures her children, now in high school and elementary school, can continue their education.
“Gusto ko man tani mas maayo nga obra nga may daku nga sweldo pero kay wala man sang oportunidad, diri na lang ako. Ang importante may regular ako nga income para masagod ko ang akon pamilya,” said Alinsangao.
The struggle is real. The stench of waste, the heat, and the physical toll it takes on her body are constant challenges. But despite these hardships, Alinsangao finds pride in her work.
“I may not have a high-paying office job, but what matters is that I’m providing for my family. This job allows me to send my children to school,” she says in Hiligaynon, her voice filled with determination.
Her story resonates with the struggles of many women who, despite limited opportunities, manage to make the most of what they have for the sake of their loved ones.
“If this is the way I can send my children to school, then I will continue, no matter how hard it gets,” she adds with a firm resolve.
Silla, 50, has been a “waste picker” for 15 years. A Metro Manila native, she moved to Iloilo and took on the job that has supported her family for over a decade.
Despite the challenges, Silla takes pride in the fact that her work enabled her child to graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
“I have no shame in what I do because this is what has given us life. My child’s education is my biggest accomplishment,” she shares.
Just like Alinsangao, Silla earns over P1,000 a week, which helps cover the daily expenses of her household, including transportation for her children’s schooling.
“My husband doesn’t have a regular job, so this work ensures that we can survive,” Silla adds with a grateful smile.
Both women credit their good health to their dedication to the job, along with a bit of luck and good habits.
“I’m thankful that in all these years, I’ve managed to stay healthy. It’s all because I take care of myself, and I pray that I remain strong for my family,” says Silla. “Ang Gino-o lang bahala sa akon.”
In a world where gender roles often dictate the kind of work women should pursue, Alinsangao and Silla defy those boundaries every day. Their efforts are proof that women are just as capable as men when it comes to enduring hard work, making sacrifices, and doing whatever it takes to provide for their families.
As we celebrate National Women’s Month this March with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Women in All Sectors, Elevating the Future of a New Philippines), it is essential to recognize and honor the women like Alinsangao and Silla who are changing the narrative.
They remind us that empowerment comes in many forms – and for them, it’s about the quiet strength and tireless work they do every day to build a better future for their children.
The stories of these women go beyond hard work in waste management; theirs is about resilience, love, and the undying hope that no matter how difficult the journey, the future of their families will always be worth the struggle./PN
