BATANG-KALAKAL

Director: May Delos Santos

Reporter: Maki Pulido

Casts:

Liza – one of the children who is pursuing their studies to be able to uplift their social status, by means of garbage for their support, and by studying hard.
Jaymar – he almost got wounded by a piece of broken glass.
Jiboy – the most industrious and also the youngest of all the children who picks up some garbage in the river.
Michael – a boy who died with the attempt of reaching the cable of electricity
Aling Naty – mother of Michael.
Virginia – a laundry-woman and mother of Liza.

Synopsis:

Batang-Kalakal” is the story of the children who are picking garbage in a dirty river, and even bathe there. Most of these children are using the money they earned for financial support of their family and even for their education.
Liza was not taking her first meal for the day before she goes to school because they don’t have money to buy for their breakfast. It is not obvious in her body that she was already 15 years old because she’s thin. After her class, she is going directly in the river. She is picking up cans, and other garbage that can be traded or what they called “kalakal.”
In not so far distance, Liza’s companion, Jaymar is also picking up some garbage in a dirty river. He almost got wounded by a piece of glass.
The water is violently moving that’s why they were very careful not to fall down and be carried away by the wave. They are bathing on a dirty river, but for them it is a paradise.
While swimming, they are still picking up garbage. After they bathe, Liza is shaking because of cold. Liza is pursuing to resist this because she doesn’t want to be like her sister who had not able to be educated.
Liza’s mother is a laundry-woman, and her father had already died. Liza still continued walking even with bare feet.
Jiboy is the youngest of the children and he is also the most industrious among them. His pregnant mother has no work, and his father left them that are why he really needs to work hard to sustain their needs.
Children could not just obtain wounds from gathering garbage in the river; they could also be drowned like what happened to Liza.
Aling Naty, a resident of that place, said that her son Michael had died because he was struck by a flowing electric current while struggling to reach the cable of the electricity even it could expose him to danger.
Most of those who are picking up garbage in the river are illegal settlers, and those who are lacking short of livelihood. The government is providing guidance for some of the residents of this place, but unfortunately, this did not reach Liza’s place.
Jiboy and Liza were brought to the hospital to examine their health condition. They found out that Jiboy got infected that’s why he needs to be cured immediately. And Liza had undergone an x-ray test and it was found out that she was toxic-infected. But even they got various diseases; they would still continue picking garbage in the river, because they can still survive with wounds but not without food.
Liza’s mother Virginia said that Liza is the top 10. She no longer stopped her in picking garbage in the river because it is the only way for her to finish her studies. She was still using the sleepers she had even it already have holes. And also she’s still using the notebook she had since grade 1. She’s just making a wise use of it because she doesn’t know when she will be able to buy a new one.
The anger in her situation can be manifested in her eyes. And it seems apparent that government and our society have a great deficit with these people.

Commentaries:

I really adore them because they work hard and are determined to uplift their condition. Some are even willing to risk their lives just to fill those hungry stomachs.
I can understand the situation of Liza, because I think she’s looking for a father figure who can help her, support their family, and stand as the pillar of their family. I, also feel the same way. And sometimes, I am envious of those children who had their father with them.
I also like her attitude because she never stops pursuing her studies even they had financial problems. She truly values her education because she believes that it will help her fulfill her dreams.
I am touched with their stories. It seems that an arrow had strike my heart as I watched the video. I’m still asking why they are experiencing this kind of troubles. But I can’t do anything. I wished I could just give them a better future in a glimpse of time.
Also, I would suggest that we must think of our environment. We must learn to appreciate it. Let’s not throw away garbage in just any places, like rivers and lakes, so that these children will be safe from wounds they can get in picking up some cans. What’s the use of trash cans, right? We must have trash cans in every place so that these children will just pick garbage in their trash cans. Let’s give opportunity for these children who really work hard for their future.
For an unbiased comment, I won’t just criticize the government. In our society, I know that many people care, but caring is not enough. We must put them into action. If you don’t want a polluted country, then throw your garbage in proper place. If you can’t provide the needs for your children, then think first before you give birth to them. Save first for their future. If you just spend your money for gambling or illegal drugs, why not just give it to those who needed it most to spend it for their education.
“Let’s value our education and cherish what we have. For we are more fortunate compared to millions of people who are struggling to have these things.”