A FACEBOOK post about a former school principal now collecting scrap cardboard to earn a living has gone viral.
According to netizen Clarisse, she was surprised to see her old elementary school principal, 81-year-old Dr. Elvira Barcelo, picking up discarded boxes on the street.
“Back then she was always wearing high heels, lipstick and well-groomed hair. Full of life. Her name alone is so strong,” she wrote.
Despite the change in appearance and circumstances, Clarisse said she gained valuable insights during their brief conversation.
“Work is work. If it’s honest, there’s dignity in it,” Dr. Barcelo told her.
“Ang dignidad ay hindi nasusukat sa uri ng iyong trabaho,” Clarisse added, quoting her former teacher.
Clarisse shared several reflections from their encounter:
“Life is unpredictable.” Dr. Barcelo reportedly said she never imagined retirement would look like this. “Life,” she told Clarisse, “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,” Clarisse wrote.
“Learning never ends.” Dr. Barcelo said she continues to learn every day. “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.”
“Service can take many forms.” Though no longer in a classroom, she still shares stories, encourages children she meets, and offers advice when asked. “She hasn’t stopped being a teacher — she’s just teaching in a different way now.”
Clarisse ended her post with a call to those who might remember Dr. Barcelo from their school days.
“Although she’s not asking for it,” she wrote, “pero gaya ng kasabihang ‘Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay walang maidudulot na masama.’”
After learning of her situation, several former students visited Dr. Barcelo and offered financial assistance and groceries. Others also pledged to help on a regular basis.
