A Chance for a Better Life

by Glenda B. Gutierrez

I am Milagros T. Feliciano, 57 years old and a resident of Manila North Cemetery. I have been living inside the Manila North Cemetery for more than 21 years.

I am a rug maker and an online seller of meat products, such as tocino and hotdog. I have four children, two girls and two boys. I have 12 grandchildren.

I am a member of the North Homeowners Association Inc. (NHOAI). In 2018, I started joining activities of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) by listening and observing. I attended meetings and general assemblies. I also witnessed an election of the organization.

In 2019, I formally joined the organization and became the secretary of the Livelihood Project.

I was hesitant at first because I was afraid I could not perform my duties. I was in-charge of the store where we sell dishwashing liquid, fabric softener, bread, fish sauce (bagoong), rice and processed meat products, such as embutido and tocino.

I also became the “Damayan” project coordinator and in-charge of collecting financial contributions for bereaved families and families with sick members.

In December 2021, I was elected as Livelihood Committee Officer

Through the livelihood project, I find hope and a chance to live a better life. I learned that through patience and perseverance I can realize my dreams of a better life.

I learned a lot of skills, such as making rugs, candles, soap, and dishwashing liquid that I sell or use at home. I learned basic accounting skills, such as keeping track of income and expenses, managing finances, and budgeting earnings.

People in our community in the Manila North Cemetery were able to earn a living because of the skills they learned. Even if we are relocated, we already have skills that we can use to earn a living.

I thank God because KKFI is there to help and guide us. I hope that there will be other training activities for the development of our organization.

Life has become more difficult during the pandemic. We were not able to earn as caretakers of tombs, tomb engravers, and gravediggers because guests were not allowed inside the cemetery, and bodies were cremated.

We did not lose hope because organizations like KKFI and church groups helped us.

We fear of losing our homes, especially that there were demolitions of illegal settlers during the pandemic. But we never lost hope. We trusted God and we continue to praying that we will have our own homes in the future.

Thank you KKFI and Mission Alliance. I now have a chance for a better life.