School principal na nangangalakal sa kalye natagpuan ng dating estudyante

Photo courtesy of Clarisse

VIRAL ngayon ang Facebook post ng isang babaeng netizen tungkol sa dating school principal na namumulot ng mga karton sa kalsada para kumita kahit paano.

Kuwento ng FB user na si Clarisse, nabagbag ang kanyang damdamin nang muling makita ang kanilang principal na si Elvira F. Barcelo sa pinasukan niyang elementary school noon.

Ayon kay Clarisse, hindi niya inaasahan na sa ganoong sitwasyon niya muling makikita ang retired principal. Aniya, nakatira ngayon si Barcelo sa Barangay San Juan, Morong, Rizal.

“The lessons I learned while talking to our former school Principal Dr. Elvira F. Barcelo: Life often teaches its most profound lessons in unexpected ways.

“One of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had recently came from meeting a former school principal—once a respected leader in education—who now collects cartons to make ends meet at the age of 81,” simulang pagbabahagi ni Clarisse.

“At first, I was struck by the contrast.

“How does someone who once shaped young minds and led a school community end up walking the streets collecting recyclable boxes?

“But as I spent time speaking with her, I realized that her story was not one of loss or pity—it was one of resilience, humility, and wisdom.

“I saw her collecting the cartons from chowking. I greeted her with a smile and hugged her as if I saw a long lost relative.

“Me: Dr. Barcelo! Principal sa MC when I was in elementary, hindi nyo po ako kilala pero kilala ko po kayo. Kumusta po?

“Dr. Barcelo: (Sobrang tuwa at may nakakilala sa kanyang estudyante) Eto okay naman. Matanda na 81 na ako.

“Looking at her, it was far from Dr. Barcelo that I used to know when I was in elementary. Back then she was always wearing high heels, lipstick and well-groomed hair. Full of life. Her name alone is so strong.

“Now, at age 81, she is collecting cartons, sometimes daw she is selling fruits sa palengke,” pagpapatuloy pa ng concerned netizen.

Sa huling bahagi ng kanyang FB post, inisa-isa ni Clarisse ang mga natutunan niya sa pakikipag-usap sa dati niyang guro at principal.

“Dignity Isn’t Defined by Your Job Title.

“She told me, ‘Work is work. If it’s honest, there’s dignity in it.’ She didn’t seem bitter. She didn’t dwell on what she had or what she lost. Instead, she carried herself with quiet pride. I learned that real dignity comes from within, not from titles or status.

“Life Is Unpredictable.

“She never imagined that retirement would look like this. Life, she said, doesn’t always follow the script we write. Her message wasn’t one of fear, but of preparation and gratitude—live humbly, save when you can, and never take your current position for granted.

“Learning Never Ends.

“Even now, she told me she’s still learning. ‘Every day,’ she said, ‘I meet people I wouldn’t have talked to in my old life. I’ve learned more about life from the streets than I did in any staff room.’ That humility reminded me that education is a lifelong journey.

“Service Can Take Many Forms.

“Though she’s no longer in a classroom, she still shares stories, encourages kids she meets, and offers advice when asked. She hasn’t stopped being a teacher—she’s just teaching in a different way now. She reminded me that we can serve others no matter our role or position..

“Final Thought…

“From her, I learned that while life can change in unexpected ways, character, humility, and purpose endure.

“Her story reminded me to treat everyone with respect—because behind every face is a story far richer than we might guess.

“Those students who still remember her, if you can, please send help.  Although she’s not asking for it, but as the saying goes ‘Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay walang maidudulot na masama.’

Samantala, sa panayam ng BANDERA kay Clarisse sa pamamagitan ng messenger, ibinalita niya na bukod sa kanya ay may mga nagpaabot na rin ng tulong sa retiradong principal.

“Pinuntahan ko po siya kanina para iabot yung help na ipinapadala for her pero hindi ko po naabutan, maaga raw pong umaalis kasi nangangalakal.

“Pero naabutan ko po uung bestfriend niya na si Ma’am Flerie, sa kanya ko po naiabot yung help. Sabi po ni Ma’am Flerie araw-araw niya binibigyan ng lutong ulam kasi wala pong lutuan sina Dr. Barcelo.

“Wala din po silang kuryente at tubig. Na-scam din po siya kaya po walang natira sa retirement (benefits) niya. Patay na po lahat ng kapatid niya kaya talagang nag-iisa na lang po siya,” pagbabahagi pa ni Clarisse sa BANDERA.

Sabi pa niya, “Happy po ako na maraming gustong tumulong, I shared her story kasi…maraming kabataan ang living for the moment.

“So it’s a reminder to enjoy the moment but also be wise and prepare for the future,” sabi pa ni Clarisse.