In the community of BASECO, where the Pasig River meets Manila Bay, 72-year-old Elsa Paluga stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. Her story is a testament to the power of community support and environmental advocacy, showcasing how sustainable solutions can transform lives and protect the environment.
Elsa’s journey began in 1986 when she moved to BASECO as a single mother of five. Life was tough, with limited opportunities and constant financial struggles. “At first, it was incredibly difficult because I was a single parent,” Elsa recalls. “There were times when my boss wasn’t around. They’d say I’d get paid the next day. I’d be at a loss, wondering where to get money to buy milk.”
When Pure Bayanihan arrived in BASECO, it became a lifeline for Elsa and other solo parents, offering not just financial support but also an opportunity to contribute to their community’s well-being. “This capital inspired hope in a lot of us,” Elsa explains. “We could collect more plastics and boost our income.” This simple yet powerful opportunity to collect and sell plastic waste became a turning point in her life.
BASECO had long struggled with plastic pollution, which clogged waterways and harmed the environment. “BASECO is really plagued with plastic waste that doesn’t decompose,” Elsa says. “This livelihood not only helps people but also benefits the environment by reducing the plastic we accumulate here.”
Through regular clean-up campaigns, residents like Elsa have become guardians of their environment, turning what was once a problem into an opportunity for positive change. These efforts have significantly reduced plastic waste in the area, creating a cleaner community and healthier ecosystem.
My dream for my children, and for myself too, is for us to live longer, healthier lives. I want to be able to enjoy my grandchildren,” she shares with a warm smile. With this initiative, she and other BASECO residents can help gift hope and transformation to the next generation.
Her gratitude for Pure Bayanihan is heartfelt: “I hope your help for us will last long, and we assure you that we will take care of the capital you’ve given us. Thank you very much.”
As Elsa continues her daily rounds in BASECO, her story embodies the transformative power of community support and environmental action. Through Pure Bayanihan’s initiative, what started as a simple opportunity to earn has become a movement that’s cleaning waterways and restoring hope. As she watches her grandchildren play in a cleaner BASECO, Elsa sees the future she once only dreamed of—a legacy of resilience and positive change for generations to come.
