06/07/2021
83-year-old lola climbs 30-foot bamboo trees to make baskets and sell them for income
An 83-year-old woman has been climbing a bamboo tree as tall as a three-story building to get materials for the baskets she sells at the Miag-ao Public Market in Iloilo.
In an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Gloria Gillado said she has been doing it since she was 10 years old and continues to do so to earn income.
Gloria starts her day at 8 a.m. by preparing her lunch—a piece of fish with rice— before walking for one hour to the mountain filled with bamboo trees.
With no safety gear and carrying only her bolo knife, Gloria bravely and tirelessly climbs the 30-feet tall bamboo plant.
According to Gloria, she chooses stems near the top so they would fall easily to the ground. Although she gets wounded and hurt at times, she doesn't mind and just says that she's not tired.
Sometimes she skips lunch so she could finish working ahead of the hottest hours of the day. She heads home carrying around six kilograms of bamboo.
"When I run out of breath or get tired, I sit. When it's hot, I bring a liter of water so I won't get thirsty," she said in Filipino.
Gloria has been widowed for more than 50 years and provided for her three children alone.
According to Aristo Gillado, Gloria's eldest son living in Antique, it is his mother's wish to continue working even though they have told her many times to stop.
"She doesn't want to stop because that's her happiness and that's what she wants to do. If she doesn't do that, she'll get weak. If only I have something to give," he said in Filipino.
As all of Gloria's children have their own families already, her 18-year-old granddaughter Jennifer Gillado stays by her side in Iloilo.
As much as Jennifer wants to volunteer and do all the work, Gloria stops her from doing so as she also is not physically capable of doing everything due to her asthma.
"It hurts to see her doing that to help us. She's having a hard time but stays strong and climbs bamboo trees to fund our studies," Jennifer said in Filipino.
Jennifer makes sure to help her lola make the baskets instead. At times, it would take them from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to finish everything.
A day after, Gloria wakes up and heads to the Miag-ao Public Market to sell her goods, with the big ones priced P120 each. Unfortunately, demand has been low.
"In one week, I earn P720. Sometimes, everything gets bought so I make more," she said. "Today, I earned P50. It's not enough for our home expenses."
Gloria's situation was forwarded to the Miag-ao Social Welfare and Development Office, which provided bags of rice to her and Jennifer.
Municipal tourism officer Anthony Selorio also said their office have volunteered to supply Gloria with materials so she won't have to take risks just to get bamboo.
"We spoke with the barangay captain. They will pay for those who get the bamboo and every time we have trade fairs, her products will be included," he said in Filipino.
Citing the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the report said 60-65 years old is the range for retirement age in the country, but there are still many people who exceed it.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns director Atty. Karen Perida-Trayvilla said seniors can work until they are 75 years old in special cases.
"As long as they are fit-to-work, as can be shown by a certification from the local health office where they reside," she said in Filipino.
Aside from financial help from the "KMJS" team, Gloria also received a medical checkup to make sure she is healthy.
Gloria said she will continue to go on and put her trust to God and His plans.
For interested parties, you may send your donations to Gloria P. Gillado (3056-1520-82) through the Landbank of the Philippines Miag-ao, Iloilo branch.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/794165/83-year-old-lola-climbs-30-foot-bamboo-trees-to-make-baskets-and-sell-them-for-income/story/
An 83-year-old woman has been climbing a bamboo tree as tall as a three-story building to get materials for the baskets she sells at the Miag-ao Public Market in Iloilo.
