MANILA, Philippines – A viral Facebook post touched the hearts of netizens after a concerned user shared a poignant encounter with a former school principal who was seen collecting cardboard on the streets to survive.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Clarisse |
In her post, a woman identified as “Clarisse” expressed her shock upon recognizing the retiree—Elvira F. Barcelo—whom she unexpectedly saw while walking along the road.
READ PART 1 OF THE STORY:
From Classroom to Cartons: Retired school principal now collects trash to survive
Clarisse shared that Barcelo had once served as the principal of the elementary school she attended as a child.
Barcelo’s face lit up with joy upon learning that Clarisse was one of her former students. During their brief conversation, the retired principal revealed that aside from collecting recyclables, she also tries to earn income by occasionally selling fruits at the nearby market.
As of this writing, numerous individuals have already reached out to Clarisse, expressing their willingness to extend assistance to the former school principal.
But the question is, what really happened to Ma'am Barcelo, who actually holds a doctorate degree after completing her graduate studies?
Many netizens pointed out that if she’s already retired, she should be receiving a pension from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
In an interview with The Summit Express, Dr. Barcelo lives in Barangay San Juan, Morong, Rizal.
Clarisse shared that based on her conversation with Dr. Barcelo—as well as accounts from the former principal’s neighbors—it was revealed that all of Barcelo’s siblings had already passed away, and she now lives with her adopted child as her only companion at home.
According to reports, Ma'am Barcelo does receive a pension, but her savings were depleted after her adopted child fell victim to a scam during a trip to India.
“Ampon lang po ang kasama niya sa bahay na meron daw pong mental problem,” Clarisse said.
“Wala po silang kuryente, lutuan, tubig. Kaya dinadalhan lang siya ng lutong pagkain ng kapitbahay nila.”
“Hindi naman daw po maluho si Dr. Barcelo dahil sanay sa hirap.”
Dr. Barcelo reportedly tried to apply for part-time work in the academy, but sadly, it seems no institution was willing to hire her due to her age.
“Mas preferred po siguro yung mas bata, kaya walang offer sa kaniya. Kaya she ended up sa pangangalakal and pagtulong-tulong minsan sa pagtitinda sa palengke,” Clarisse said.
In a separate Facebook post, Clarisse addressed those questioning Dr. Barcelo’s retirement pension.
She explained that with the high cost of living, maintenance medications, and other daily necessities—especially considering Dr. Barcelo’s age and the fact that she is caring for an adopted child with mental health issues—her pension is simply not enough.
Sagutin ko lang po ng very quick ung usual question. Lahat tayo tatanda and no matter how much we prepare for our retirement, unexpected things may arise. Hopefully the government will have an effective action plan to support our senior and retired citizens.
Posted by Clarisse on Monday, May 19, 2025
This, Clarisse said, is why Dr. Barcelo has no choice but to resort to scavenging.
For those who wish to extend help to Dr. Barcelo, they are encouraged to coordinate with Clarisse, as the former school principal does not use mobile wallet apps and is unfamiliar with social media and modern gadgets.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
