By Ana Flores, Columban Lay Missionary

I met these women sometime 2011-2012 when we relocated some families affected by typhoon Sendong to the Mother of Divine Mercy Village in Opol. Some belonged to the TISAKA or Tingog sa Kasanag (voice of enlightenment) organization.

From time to time, these women faced serious problems, and I often sought guidance and advice from the TISAKA office.  During these visits, I learned about their lives and how they ended up working on the streets. Initially, I assumed they had chosen an easy way to earn money, but the reality was far more complex.

Some shared that their husbands sold them to other men, exploiting them for income. This was incomprehensible to me. If your spouse loves you, how can they put you in such kind of work.  Yet sadly, this is their harsh reality. Others revealed they had run away from abusive families or husbands, seeking a better life for themselves and their children.

Many started as domestic helpers in the squatter areas, but some ended up working in carinderias (small restaurants). At night, they were forced to wear special clothes. They did not understand why they had to wear those kinds of clothes, but they had no choice – they had to comply whether they liked it or not. They wanted to escape but couldn’t due to threats. Under such condition, some resorted to drugs or even attempted suicide to numb their pain. Despite this, they still worked to provide for their children

Change began when TISAKA began visiting them at work. Through counselling sessions and conversations, these women gradually decided to leave that kind of life. It wasn’t an easy decision, but with perseverance and determination they were able to find new work and start a new life.

Through TISAKA, I work closely with these women, listening to their stories and supporting them.  Life remains challenging for many. Some work for a small salary as house cleaners or doing laundry, while others struggle to find jobs due to a lack of skills. Their husbands often earn little  as well.  Sometimes, the temptation to return to street work is strong, but they remained firm to pursue  a different kind of life.

With a group of women skilled in crafting beadworks, we started a small project, meeting and working twice a week. I initially helped them with small capital for materials, and we began selling the finished products to friends and  Columban benefactors across the Philippines.  Thanks to the support of our Columban co-workers, this project now provides these women with modest income to support their families.

One TISAKA member,  who sold candies and  snacks in  Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, had to stop during the pandemic.  Last year, she was diagnosed with  chronic kidney disease  secondary to lupus nephritis. Her partner occasionally works as a parking boy to cover her dialysis costs, and while the treatment itself is now free, other medical expenses remain a burden.  Even though she is sick, she continues with her small business in Divisoria but her challenges persist – her children can not help her, and she recently faced complications requiring surgery she cannot yet afford.

Sometimes, it’s easy to judge others on their appearance or the work they do, but we often have no idea what they are going through.  In the story of the woman caught in adultery, when the Pharisees pressed Jesus for judgment, He straightened up and  responded, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 8:1-11). It’s as if Jesus is speaking directly to all of us, reminding us that we are all human beings and all of us are sinners.

These women don’t need judgment; they need a chance. With our support, they can change their lives and build a better future.

My challenge to you, dear readers, is this: Are we willing to help?

Featured image above: These women are committed to creating a better future for themselves and their children. Crafting beadworks is one skill that is gradually helping them achieve this goal.

Note: To know more how you can support this ministry and other Columban programs, please click HERE.

Read more of Ana’s ministry here.