For 12 hours of work each day, a PWD mom receives 200 pesos as her salary
AGNES PEREZ – A PWD mother from Mexico, Pampanga, who works 12 hours a day for just 200 pesos, has garnered widespread attention and sympathy.
A concerned citizen named Miranda Ramos shared her story, describing Agnes’s exhausting routine as a burger vendor at Mt. Carmel in Sanguin, Pampanga. Despite the long hours, Agnes earns less than the minimum wage, with 80 pesos of her daily earnings going towards round-trip transportation costs, leaving her with only 120 pesos.
Miranda expressed her pity for Agnes, recounting how they found her looking tired and sweaty while working. The situation was even more heart-wrenching when they learned about her extended work hours compared to the standard minimum, yet she receives such a meager salary. To manage her commute and maximize her earnings, Agnes often sleeps in a tricycle arranged by her co-worker.
“200 daw sya 12hrs taga mexico pampanga pa si ate at eto namang mt carmel located pa siya sa Sanguin Pampanga. So kung magcocommute sya bali 80 pesos kaya 120 nalang daw nauuwi nya. Kaya ginagawa ni ate yung kapalitan nya may tricycle dun nadaw sya natutulog sa tricycle,” Miranda said.
Agnes has accepted her low-paying job without seeking other opportunities due to her age and lack of educational qualifications. She fears that her speech impairment, which affects her clarity, would make it difficult for her to be understood and accepted by other employers. Miranda quoted Agnes, saying she feels ashamed and doubtful about finding better employment because of these challenges.
“Sabi namin bat dika maghanap ng ibang trabaho kase napakababa nahihiya daw sya dahil may mga tao na di nakakaintindi sa salita nya. Saka matanda naren daw sya at di nakapag aral,” Miranda said.
Miranda’s primary goal in sharing Agnes’s story was to help find her a job that offers proper benefits and fair compensation. The post received various reactions, with many criticizing the company’s wage system and the poor treatment of workers like Agnes. Some commenters pointed out that the owner’s decision to buy a franchise from the company might also be a contributing factor.