Transforming pain into power

In a small fishing village on Bantayan Island in Cebu province, Arlyn Placencia made a living by selling clothes and pieces of jewelry sourced from her best friend. Arlyn lived with her eldest child, whom she was raising single-handedly with her mother and father. Despite her efforts to make ends meet for her young son, the profit margin of Php 200 was thin and barely enough to cover their basic needs, such as food. 

Arlyn was 24 back then when she finally made a bold decision to pack her bags and set forth to Manila and seek new opportunities to provide a better life for her son. Little did she know her journey to the city would shape her destiny in ways she never imagined. 

Arlyn's life in the city was both challenging and promising. She eventually welcomed her second child, but fate had a cruel twist in store for her. Her second child was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.  

For two years, Arlyn's life revolved around relentless hospital visits, seeking every available means to prolong the life of her second child. During those visits, Arlyn learned how to segregate waste and would often participate in various hospital activities. 

"I look after my son at the hospital and almost made it our home for two years. The doctors taught me how to segregate waste at the hospital. Now, I'm applying what I've learned and teaching others as well," Arlyn said.    

Unfortunately, her second child's medical condition did not get better. Her second child died at the age of eleven, shattering Arlyn's world with grief that weighed heavy on her heart for years. 

"I could not accept the death of my second child," Arlyn uttered.

During those dark days, Arlyn found a glimmer of hope when she came across an opportunity to be part of the Eco-Ikot Center established in 2022 by the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA), a non-profit organization, led by celebrity and environmental advocate Antoinette Taus.   

The Eco-Ikot Center, which was organized in partnership with the Parañaque City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO), is an inclusive and holistic recycling system that allows communities to exchange clean, dry, and segregated recyclables for points which can be redeemed for various incentives like fresh vegetables, e-cash, and other sustainable items.  

"I was surprised that my neighbor submitted my application to CENRO. After a few days, a representative from CENRO called me up offering me a job at the Eco-Ikot Center," Arlyn shared.   

The job opportunity at the center was very timely, allowing Arlyn to settle her debts incurred from her second child's hospitalization expenses. 

"Not everyone knew, I suffered financial woes and debts when my second child was having medical treatments. Because of the Eco-Ikot Center, I was able to pay off my debts," she said. 

Now, 52 years old, Arlyn also helped her niece finish her education through the salary she received from the Eco-Ikot Center. She now lives alone as her eldest son has already started his own family. 

Aside from financial security, Arlyn also found solace and purpose within the walls of the center. Igniting a newfound passion for environmental sustainability and protection, Arlyn channeled her grief into action.  

Since then, CORA has diverted over 60,000 kilograms of recyclables, prevented unsegregated waste transfer to landfills, empowered women like Arlyn as leaders in waste management, and fostered partnerships with businesses to achieve Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets.  

One of the key features of the Eco-Ikot Center is empowering women in the communities as Women Champions and equipping them with specialized training on waste management, business, and sustainable practices such as composting, urban gardening, and renewable energy. 

From a grieving mother, Arlyn found healing and purpose by weighing and segregating recyclable goods at the center. 

"It makes me feel good working at the center and being requested by our regular customers. They are my inspiration for working tirelessly," she said. 

Arlyn has become an inspiration in her community, blossoming into an empowered and determined woman that she is today. Though her path was fraught and challenging at first, it also shows that embracing life's seasons through its joys and heartaches can also be a source of strength.

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