Imagine yourself living on less than P100 a day doing hard labor. Think of squeezing in expenses to send your children to school. Now imagine doing all of these things during your twilight years.
This is exactly how 78-year-old Lolo Ruperto Rantogan of Libacao, Aklan has been spending his remaining years. And he does it so his grandchildren won't have to suffer like he does.
For the past 58 years, Lolo Ruperto has been harvesting abaca for a living. Aside from the taxing process of processing the fiber, he has to deliver his goods to the market by crossing a raging river on a makeshift bamboo raft.
His age has already slowed him down. And for all his hard work, he only gets as low as P 1,000 pesos a month or P33.33 a day. At his age, he shouldn't even be working at all. But with no one to depend on, he has to earn money the only way he knows how for his loved ones.
"Gusto naming paaralin yung mga apo namin. Importanteng mag-aral sila dahil pag mag-asawa sila, walang kabuhayan dito. Mahirap ang kabuhayan dito", said Lolo Ruperto.
It's sadly ironic that the abaca he earns so little from is used to make bank notes in other countries. He shares this fate with millions of other farmers in the country who are left with no other choice but to spend their final years doing hard labor.
Watch his life story here:
These people, who give most of their lives just so we can live conveniently, deserve so much more. And you can help them from the comforts of your home.
If you want to make a difference or know someone who does, do email GMA Network at i-w3@gmanetwork.com.
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