AS THE NATION celebrates National Women’s Month 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 imperative to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in Iloilo’s development. While discussions on gender equality often center on leadership roles and corporate success stories, it is the silent and tireless work of women in overlooked sectors that truly sustains communities.
Take, for instance, the resilience women waste pickers from the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Calajunan Sanitary Landfill in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Day after day, these women sift through heaps of discarded materials — not just for survival, but for the future of their children. Their work may be physically demanding and socially unglamorous, but its impact reverberates across the city.
Without them and many others in similar roles, Iloilo’s waste management system would struggle under the weight of inefficiency. Their labor directly contributes to environmental sustainability by facilitating recycling and waste reduction. Yet, despite this critical role, they remain unrecognized, often working in hazardous conditions with little to no formal benefits or security.
This National Women’s Month, let us go beyond mere tokenism in celebrating women’s achievements. Recognition must translate into action. The local government must ensure that women in informal sectors, like waste pickers, have access to fair wages, protective equipment, and social services. It is time to acknowledge that economic development is not just driven by industry and innovation but also by the unseen hands that keep our communities running — women who, through sheer determination, turn hardship into hope.
Honoring women’s labor means advocating for policies that uplift them, creating programs that empower them, and ensuring that no contribution — no matter how small or hidden — goes unnoticed. This month, and beyond, let us not only celebrate women but also stand with them in their fight for dignity, equity, and a brighter future.
