PHILIPPINES: Manang, Lolita’s Mother

Before, our dream was to earn a living and buy good land so we could take care of the family. But it was not possible. Every two years there is a baby. Whenever we had money, our children got sick. My husband worked as a farmer; we lost many crops from the typhoons. Our poverty was great when Lolita left to work in Olongapo. She was 14; her cousin worked there. I am ashamed of the work she does, but it is up to her. She earns money if there is a ship. If not, nothing. We still love each other. She sends money when she can. We are old now. Our crops were destroyed again by the typhoon.