Defender Of The Poor

"I wanted something new, something different, a job that would provide me with new challenges and learning experiences—and yet would not confine me behind a desk from eight to five," says Peachy Marie Garrido, Area Coordinator of Iloilo City. She traded security in an office for a dangerous profession: A homemade bomb almost injured her once while monitoring a demolition.

On The Move
As an Area Coordinator, you can usually find Peachy on the field, learning the urban poor's concerns firsthand. "It's usually basic problems like housing, livelihood...they just want a chance to be heard," she says. Once she finds out what they need, she becomes a "middleman" by letting the Local Government Unit (LGU) know what they are. Here, she suggests solutions to the problems raised, makes sure that housing projects actually push through, and checks that the pro-poor laws are upheld.

Fortunately, she says, the LGU is very pro-active. "Binibigyan nila ng action kaagad, kailangan lang talaga ng proper channeling." Like if a certain project needs a push, she approaches other housing agencies and asks for help with funding or talks to land owners.

Despite the many threats she receives, Peachy reveals that it's all worth it once you see the change in people's faces when they're relocated from the squatters' area. "My work allows me to contribute positively to the lives of other people," she reveals. "It gives me the opportunity to improve the lot of others—helping them preserve and maintain their dignity."

Dedicated Diva
Her nine years with the agency was not without difficulties and frustrations. "When I first started, I had to bring my own office table and purchase my own chair," recalls Peachy. She does everything on her own, like reports, fieldwork and errands.

She once monitored a demolition for two weeks, riding a dump truck to and from the demolition and relocation sites of the affected families, while receiving verbal threats and insults from some of them. "My patience was really tested during that demolition," recalls Peachy.

Her work can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. She has to be prepared physically and emotionally—a lot of things can happen especially when there's strong resistance from the families affected. "On several occasions, I contemplated shifting to another career," she says. "But somehow, part of me still wants to continue facing the challenges that come with my work."

Her colleagues' dedication inspires her. "We're all partners," says Peachy.

Moreover, this job has taught her to become more patient, flexible, and more appreciative of the little things in life. "There is no typical day for me. Each day poses a new challenge, a new task to be accomplished."