MANILA, Philippines – A viral Facebook post stirred the emotions of netizens after a concerned user shared a heartbreaking encounter with a former school principal seen picking up cardboard on the street to make ends meet.
In her post, a woman named “Clarisse” recounted her surprise upon recognizing the retiree—Elvira F. Barcelo—whom she unexpectedly came across while walking along the road.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Clarisse |
Clarisse revealed that Barcelo had once been the principal at the elementary school she attended during her childhood.
"Life often teaches its most profound lessons in unexpected ways," the uploader said on her viral Facebook post.
"One of the most eye-opening experiences I've had recently came from meeting a former school principal—once a respected leader in education—who now collects cartons to make ends meet at the age of 81."
"At first, I was struck by the contrast."
"How does someone who once shaped young minds and led a school community end up walking the streets collecting recyclable boxes?"
"But as I spent time speaking with her, I realized that her story was not one of loss or pity—it was one of resilience, humility, and wisdom."
"I saw her collecting the cartons from chowking," she said.
Barcelo was reportedly overjoyed when Clarisse introduced herself and mentioned that she had been one of her former students. The retired principal also shared that, aside from scavenging, she occasionally sells fruits at the local market to earn a living.
I greeted her with a smile and hugged her as if I saw a long lost relative."
"Me: Dr. Barcelo! Principal sa MC when I was in elementary, hindi nyo po ako kilala pero kilala ko po kayo. Kumusta po?"
"Dr. Barcelo: (Sobrang tuwa at may nakakilala sa kanyang estudyante) Eto okay naman. Matanda na 81 na ako."
"Looking at her, it was far from Dr. Barcelo that I used to know when I was in elementary. Back then she was always wearing high heels, lipstick and well-groomed hair. Full of life. Her name alone is so strong."
"Now, at age 81, she is collecting cartons, sometimes daw she is selling fruits sa palengke."
As of this writing, numerous individuals have already reached out to Clarisse, expressing their willingness to extend assistance to the former school principal.
The lessons I learned while talking to our former school Principal Dr. Elvira F. Barcelo: Life often teaches its most...
Posted by Clarisse on Friday, May 16, 2025
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
