Trying to Survive on a Dollar a Day

Philippines

On a garbage dump site in the Philippines, Dalisay, a widow, spends seven days a week scavenging for items she can recycle.

“Sometimes I can earn about 3-dollars,” she told The 700 Club. “Other days I can only a little more than 2-dollars.”  

Dalisay has been raising her children alone ever since her husband died in 2018.  

The family’s desperate situation was made even worse when the government enforced social distancing at the site due to COVID-19.

Dalisay’s time collecting items was cut in half and so was her income. For awhile, they all lived on a dollar a day.  

“There was not enough to buy food,” she said. “So I just found some wild plants and boiled them.  Mostly we just ate a little rice.”   

When Operation Blessing learned about the emergency situation, we sent a team with food packs to help more than 40 families working at the site. The food packs contained staples like bread, canned goods and rice, along with hygiene kits and hand cleaner. 

“I am happy because we really had no food left. Nothing," she said. “My children and I are so thankful for the help you gave us. I am grateful to Operation Blessing!"