MANILA, Philippines – A former laundry worker (labandera) and babysitter (yaya) from Lubao, Pampanga is now earning admiration online after her inspiring journey from hardship to becoming a teacher was featured in an i-Listen interview by GMA Public Affairs on March 4, 2026.
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| Photo courtesy: Screenshots via I-Listen (YouTube) |
Marissa Fajardo, now an Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher, has touched the hearts of netizens with her story of resilience and determination. Raised in a large family of nine siblings, Marissa grew up in poverty, with a father who worked as a truck driver with irregular income and a mother who was a housewife who occasionally took on laundry work.
To support her education, Marissa followed in her mother’s footsteps and worked as a “labandera,” washing clothes for classmates and neighbors.
She also took on jobs as a babysitter and school companion, escorting children to school in the mornings before attending her college classes in the afternoon.
Despite her efforts, Marissa faced ridicule from some people who doubted her ability to finish her studies due to financial struggles.
In her interview with award-winning GMA journalist-documentarist Kara David, she shared that she endured these challenges while continuing to work tirelessly to fund her education.
Although she once dreamed of becoming a nurse, Marissa revealed that her mother encouraged her to pursue teaching.
Over time, she realized that becoming an educator was her true calling—one that allowed her to give back and help others facing the same struggles she once endured.
Today, Marissa actively seeks out out-of-school youth in her community, walking from place to place to offer them a chance at education through ALS.
Her dedication has earned her recognition as one of the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awardees in 2025.
Her journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, proving that with determination, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to meaningful success.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express