MANILA, Philippines – Keeping public places clean is one of the hardest jobs to accomplish especially when you’re under the heat of the sun, not to mention the never-ending dust and smog.
But that doesn’t deter Verginia Pozon, who has been working as a street sweeper for fifteen years now. “Nag-apply lang ako, siyempre kailangan kong kumita para sa ikabubuhay ng aking pamilya,” shares Verginia who wanted to get a stable job that would be enough to support the needs of her children.
These days, however, nothing puts street sweepers to the test more than the hot weather. With the heat, pollution, and the sweat combined, unwanted odors usually get the best of any person but not Verginia.
“Dahil nasisikatan ako ng araw maghapon kapag nagtatrabaho, naglalagay ako ng towel sa likod para di ako mag amoy-pawis, pero siyempre yung suot kong damit dapat nalabhan ng Surf Fabric Conditioner,” explains Verginia. “Noon pa po Surf na talaga ang gamit ng pamilya namin dahil wais at sulit talaga ito, tumatagal sa damit yung amoy, kahit mga kasamahan ko napapansin talaga yung bango.”
Sometimes, she worries the scent might last only a few minutes after starting her work. But after a few hours, she feels confident as the scent still lingers drawing compliments from her co-sweepers about how she doesn’t have amoy-araw.
Verginia recalls, “Malaki ang naitutulong sa akin ng Surf Fabric Conditioner sa pang araw-araw dahil napapanatili niya akong mabango kahit nasa initan. Maaliwalas din yung pakiramdam ng suot kong damit kaya paborito naming gamitin ang Surf talaga.
Being a street sweeper provide Verginia and her family enough for them to afford their daily needs. However, she still makes sure to teach her kids the right values at home and in life. “Lagi ko pinapaliwanag sa kanila yung hirap ng pagtatrabaho kaya sinisikap ko talaga na mapagtapos sila ng pag-aaral para makahanap sila ng magandang trabaho,” says Verginia. “Gusto ko sila magkaroon ng maganda at maayos na pamumuhay kaya kinakaya ko itong trabaho ko kahit mahirap.”
As one of many Filipinas who are continuously breaking stereotypes, Verginia is proof that moms can also be present in uncomfortable spaces if it’s for their families—and even smell better despite the heat and other challenges it entails.
Like Verginia, you can stay fresh under-da-init with Surf Fabric Conditioner with Sunbloom Technology, para kahit mainit and panahon, mas blooming sa bango, at wais pa sa bulsa! Available at supermarkets and sari-sari stores near you!
