Nanay Boning, 79 years of age, living alone in her shattered hut, a second timer (quarterly given) to receive the Social Pension from Purok 5, Dagumbaan, Maramag, Bukidnon.
Bonifacia or “Boning” as her nickname, 79 years old, is a widow from Purok 5, Dagumbaan, Maramag, Bukidnon. She has 9 kids {already married and with families of their own} and been a widow since 2014.
“I used to do hard work like plowing the field because my husband is a drunkard and irresponsible. Upon his death, life has become harder because I have become the sole breadwinner of the family. I weave baskets, hats, mats and bags out of plastic straw. The plastic straws were freely given to me from DOLE Stanfilco (Banana plantation), so that I could weave for additional income. I also have a backyard garden and sell the products, but the income is still insufficient to support the needs of the family.
“I would formulate herbal liniment to sell or sometimes barter for rice. Oftentimes, we could only eat root crops and boiled bananas because my earning could not afford to buy rice. Aside from limited food, my hut is also dilapidated. Life is really very hard. It is a day to day struggle.”
“When I joined the Senior Citizens Association in our barangay, I got my ID. I would attend barangay meetings regularly. It is my second time to receive the social pension of 1,500.00 pesos, which is given quarterly.”
“With the social pension I have received, I can now enjoy and can afford to buy rice, fresh and dried fish, and others. I used some of the remaining money to buy materials for the repair of my dilapidated hut, which is done slowly when materials are available and there are spare money to pay carpenters. Before, nobody would let me borrow money knowing that I do not have steady income. Now, with my social pension, I could borrow money from people who believe that I have the capacity to pay.”
“I don’t have much but I have some goals with my social pension, like buying new set of kitchen utensils to replace the stolen pieces, and completion of my hut and fences for my protection. I also hope that the government will increase the amount of our social pension to augment for medical needs and other maintenance.”
By Rema Romualdez, Community Development Officer – Bukidnon (Visayas)