Thursday, 14 May 2020 07:53

Kagay-anon youth helps elderly garbage collector enlist for Social Amelioration Program

Written by Ryanne Tulba
Jam Colloso (left) and Doroteo Bantigue (right) Jam Colloso (left) and Doroteo Bantigue (right)
A Kagay-anon youth assisted an elderly garbage collector in Barangay Carmen to get enlisted for the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
 
Katong time nga pauli nako, nakita nako siya nagpahulay sa daplin, murag nangurog pod siya kay gigutom,” narrated 20-year-old Jam Golloso. “Akong gihatag akong gipangayo nga groceries gikan sa akong kuya.”
 
(When I was going home, I saw him resting on the pavement, looking like he was quivering from hunger. I gave him some groceries I got from my brother.)
 
Jam met Doroteo Bantigue, a 73-year-old garbage collector, while he was roaming around the premises of the barangay amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the time when there was already a positive case in the area.
 
She found out that Lolo Doroteo got into an accident years before, leaving him with bone fractures.
 
During this crisis, he was left with no choice but to continue scavenging for garbage just to survive every day. Doroteo was also not included in the government’s cash assistance program.
 
Jam later posted their encounter on Facebook, hoping for someone to connect Doroteo with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
 
Jam’s post got viral on Facebook and a few days after, Lolo Doroteo was connected to the local social welfare authorities.
 
Besides receiving cash aid from SAP, Lolo Doroteo also got groceries from generous donors.
 
Doroteo Bantigue, a 73-year-old garbage collector.