Although he’s known to be quiet and shy, Francisco is not one to shy away from hard work. He likes planting fruit-bearing trees so his family can gather around and enjoy the fruit. He is part of a big and happy family - his wife Maria and their 3 boys & 4 girls. He works hard to give his family a comfortable life and to be able to send off his children to finish their studies.
However, the difficulties of having a big family caught up to him because there were no jobs available locally and the cost of living was high. Francisco decided to look for a job in Manila, far from his family, just to provide for his family’s daily needs. He hated leaving them behind, and he hated the idea of Maria shouldering all the responsibility of taking care of their big family. It was not an easy decision for both of them, but it was their only option.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Manila, Francisco’s job was affected badly. There was no money coming in, and he and his family back home had nothing to eat. It even came to a point where he had to ask for food from his friends.
As the situation in the city worsened, Francisco decided to go home and be with his family instead. However, having no money for transportation and with all roads going in and out blocked, Francisco had no way to leave. He thought about just waiting out the pandemic and hoping for the best, but then he heard about Dignity and how the company was giving jobs and helping the community even during the pandemic. His resolve was strengthened, and he did everything he could to go home and apply for a job at Dignity.
Francisco went to a nearby city, where he was able to hitch a ride in an army truck and come back home to his family. He immediately applied for work at Dignity, and now he works in ground maintenance. Even while the pandemic was surging, he was able to provide food and basic needs for his family.
Francisco never looked back. He shares, “My life, and that of my family, improved since I started working at Dignity. I do not have to go to Manila to earn a living. Now we could all be together as a family because Dignity’s location is just so near our home. I am so proud and so happy to be a part of Dignity.”
