Julita and Enrica Glicerio were born and grew up in a small barrio in southern Leyte to poor parents. They have an older brother named Roberto.
Life was very simple in Barrio Sta. Cruz, Malitbong. There was no electricity and the only transportation was a truck that would pick up copra once in the morning, or a jeep that would pass by at 7 a.m. Home was a small nipa hut with a bamboo floor. Their father was a farmer who planted and harvested coconuts to make copra, while their mother stayed at home to watch over the two children. Sadly, she died young and left the two little girls in the care of her husband. Lita says she was seven years old when their mother passed away, a few months after her Kuya Roberto—then only 12—left for Davao to work in a logging company. Enrica or Baby was four years old then.
The sisters grew up doing things by themselves. After school they would go and gather firewood in the nearby forest. They would go home eager to put down their load and play like any ordinary children. Lita says they loved playing bakya-bakya, tumba lata, shato, habulan, and skipping rope. Their lola who lived nearby supervised them and taught them how to prepare dishes and clean the house. It was Lita who eventually developed an interest in cooking and Baby learned to enjoy other tasks such as sweeping the yard and polishing the bamboo floor. They seldom fought but one chore they would fight over was grating coconut to make gata. They walked to and from school in their bakya. The school they went to was the only public school in their barrio. When the rains came, they would cut banana leaves along the road and use these to shield themselves. The banana leaves didn’t protect them completely from the rain, but the presence of each other provided warmth as they walked along the muddy road unmindful of the mud that stuck to their legs and skirts.
In 1970 Lita left for Manila to work as house help. She eventually found a better paying job after she learned sewing. The distance that separated them only intensified Lita’s concern for Baby. Since she had a steady job as a sewer, Lita made it her responsibility to send school supplies and funds for her younger sister. She continued to support Baby until Baby finished her degree in banking and finance at PUP. Lita eventually got married and bore a son she named Aries, a gift that brought not only joy but meaning into their lives. The years went by, with Aries being nourished by the love of his mother and aunt. Baby contributed to Aries’ education, while Lita continued to work as a sewer.
But in 2003, Lita became gravely ill, when her kidneys failed. She had to stop working, and now needs to undergo kidney dialysis thrice a week. Her body has become thin frail but the love and support that Baby and Aries give her strengthen her spirit. Despite her illness, Lita was given a job by her former employer who now works abroad. She cleans the house and prepares meals for the sons of her former boss. Baby and Aries live with her as well.
I helped Lita open an account with a bank where donations from friends and unknown individuals are deposited for her work-up. This was in February, and since then we have raised P40,000, but we have a long way to go. Help seems to be so far away. But Lita, Baby, and Aries will continue to pray and will not lose hope, for somewhere out there are people who will extend their kindness to them… soon.
If you think you can help give this story a happy ending, please make a contribution directly to the savings account of Julita Peñaflor at any PNB branch; her account is at PNB Cubao, No. 211-575144-4. Many thanks and blessings to you!
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