81-Year-Old Retired School Principal Collects Cartons to Earn Money
An 81-year-old retired school principal is now seen collecting recyclable materials and picking up cardboard boxes on the streets to earn a living.
Recently, a Facebook user named Clarisse shared the touching story of the former principal, whom she spotted gathering cardboard on the roadside. The post went viral and elicited reactions from the netizens.
The former school principal was seen picking up cardboard boxes along the streets to earn a living. She was identified as Dr. Elvira Barcelo, once a well-respected leader in a public school, now quietly working to survive day by day.
Clarisse recalled how she warmly greeted Dr. Barcelo, who once served as principal in her elementary school. Although years had passed, Dr. Barcelo responded with joy, thankful someone still remembered her.
It was a bittersweet moment remembering how she used to wear heels and dress neatly as a school head and now seeing her in a completely different situation.
Despite the drastic change, Dr. Barcelo showed no bitterness. She humbly said that work is work, and as long as it’s honest, there’s dignity in it. Sometimes, she also sells fruits at the market to earn extra income.
Though she’s no longer in the classroom, she hasn’t stopped being a teacher. She shares lessons through her actions, reminding everyone that true worth is not about job titles but about character.
In another post, a former fast-food crew shares painful experience w/ abusive manager
Here is the full post:
“The lessons I learned while talking to our former school Principal Dr. Elvira F. Barcelo:
Life often teaches its most profound lessons in unexpected ways.
One of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had recently came from meeting a former school principal—once a respected leader in education—who now collects cartons to make ends meet at the age of 81.
At first, I was struck by the contrast.
How does someone who once shaped young minds and led a school community end up walking the streets collecting recyclable boxes?
But as I spent time speaking with her, I realized that her story was not one of loss or pity—it was one of resilience, humility, and wisdom.
I saw her collecting the cartons from chowking.
I greeted her with a smile and hugged her as if I saw a long lost relative.
Me: Dr. Barcelo! Principal sa MC when I was in elementary, hindi nyo po ako kilala pero kilala ko po kayo. Kumusta po?
Dr. Barcelo: (Sobrang tuwa at may nakakilala sa kanyang estudyante) Eto okay naman. Matanda na 81 na ako.
Looking at her, it was far from Dr. Barcelo that I used to know when I was in elementary. Back then she was always wearing high heels, lipstick and well-groomed hair. Full of life. Her name alone is so strong.
Now, at age 81, she is collecting cartons, sometimes daw she is selling fruits sa palengke.
What I learned from her?
Dignity Isn’t Defined by Your Job Title
She told me, “Work is work. If it’s honest, there’s dignity in it.” She didn’t seem bitter. She didn’t dwell on what she had or what she lost. Instead, she carried herself with quiet pride. I learned that real dignity comes from within, not from titles or status.
Life Is Unpredictable
She never imagined that retirement would look like this. Life, she said, doesn’t always follow the script we write. Her message wasn’t one of fear, but of preparation and gratitude—live humbly, save when you can, and never take your current position for granted.
Learning Never Ends
Even now, she told me she’s still learning. “Every day,” she said, “I meet people I wouldn’t have talked to in my old life. I’ve learned more about life from the streets than I did in any staff room.” That humility reminded me that education is a lifelong journey.
Service Can Take Many Forms
Though she’s no longer in a classroom, she still shares stories, encourages kids she meets, and offers advice when asked. She hasn’t stopped being a teacher—she’s just teaching in a different way now. She reminded me that we can serve others no matter our role or position.
Final Thought
From her, I learned that while life can change in unexpected ways, character, humility, and purpose endure.
Her story reminded me to treat everyone with respect—because behind every face is a story far richer than we might guess.
Those students who still remember her, if you can, please send help.
Although she’s not asking for it, but as the saying goes “Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay walang maidudulot na masama.”
(Thanks to Honey Dee, for sharing Dr. Barcelo’s whereabouts)”
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
That’s the problem in 🇵🇭, when you are senior, though still healthy of mind and body, nobody wants to employ you. That’s why she is trying to earn her living, but school teachers in public have GSIS pension, what happened to her pension? She can do private tutoring. This is so sad. 👎👎🙏🏽🙏🏽🇵🇭