Defying Disadvantage: How 5 Davao Mothers Are Turning Local Waste into Wealth

DAVAO CITY (November 2) — In San Juan Seaside, Barangay Matina Aplaya, everyday garbage is proving to be far more than an environmental hazard—it is breaking cycles of economic dependence for women who need support most. Through an upcycling venture named “Think Outside the Trash,” discarded plastics and old textiles are being transformed into a vital financial lifeline.

Economic Freedom for Society’s Most Vulnerable

For single mothers, persons with disabilities, and low-income women, finding flexible, dignified work in urban communities can be an uphill battle. Established in 2019 by Chairwoman Ms. Edna G. Sernada, the 5-member initiative was built specifically to open doors for those frequently overlooked by traditional employment.

Rather than relying on outside aid, these women turned their home environment into a productive workspace:

• Single Mothers & Single Parents: Earn daily household income while managing childcare responsibilities at home.
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Engage in accessible craft production like paper-bead rolling, accessory crafting, and fabric assembly.
• Disadvantaged Residents: Gain financial independence without needing high educational qualifications or heavy startup capital.

Upcycling Waste into Everyday Value

The team collects fabric sachets from local laundromats, secondhand garments (ukay-ukay), and recyclables gathered through Davao City Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo’s “Basura Mo, Bigas Mo” program.

Instead of ending up in clogged drainage canals, these materials are repurposed into quality items priced from ₱65.00 to ₱450.00:

Environmental Relief and Community Dignity

Commended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR XI), the project demonstrates that small-scale community action can clean local waterways while lifting families out of poverty.

“Naghuna-huna mi ani kay at least man lang 1% mabawasan ang mga basura sa kanal og nakatabang ni sa environment at the same time sa livelihood sa community,” Sernada shared. (We thought that through this, we can help lessen at least 1% of the trash in our drainage. We help the environment while earning from it.)

Sernada hopes their story encourages other neighborhood sectors to view local waste as a hidden resource rather than a burden:

“Pwede ta makahimo og livelihood not really very expensive nga pwede ra diay gikan sa atong palibot nga pwede ra nato ma-recycle og makakita pajud ta og makatabang ta sa ubang sector sa community.” (We can create livelihood opportunities from our surroundings that don’t need to be expensive. We can recycle materials around us and help other sectors in the community.)