BY: VON RICK ANGWAY AND JUDE MARK BICCAY (UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO INTERNS)

A single mother in Baguio has become an inspiration after managing to put her six children through college by working as a street sweeper.

For the past 23 years, the streets of Baguio have been a second home to Yolanda Liis, who starts her day as early as 8 a.m., sweeping and collecting garbage in the city’s central business district.

As a single mother, her job has been her sole means of providing for her children.

In 1995, Yolanda became a widow when her husband suddenly passed away in his sleep. Since then, she took on the role of both mother and father to her children.

“We grew up with our mother raising us on her own,” said Melchor Liis, one of Yolanda’s children. “I was in third grade when we lost our father, so our mother did everything for us.”

Despite the hardships, Yolanda takes pride in the fact that all six of her children have completed their college education.

“It was much easier back then because tuition fees weren’t as expensive,” she recalled. “And when all of them finally graduated and found jobs, I felt relieved.”

Melchor, one of her children, earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2006.

“We are extremely grateful to God,” he said. “We believe He helped our mother raise us well, even if we lived a simple life.”

The siblings are well aware of the sacrifices their mother made to secure their future, and this has become their motivation to work hard in life.

Now, it is their turn to provide for Yolanda.

For her, all the years of hard work have paid off, as she now enjoys a peaceful and comfortable life.

Yet, despite her children’s success, Yolanda continues her work as a street sweeper, remaining dedicated to keeping the city clean.