BASURERO Documentary (2016)

Summary

The video script follows the daily life of Asis, a garbage collector in San Isidro, Makati. He describes waking up at 2:00 AM to prepare the truck and starting work at 4:00 AM, often lacking basic protective gear like boots and gloves. Despite the dirty and hazardous conditions, Asis and his colleagues persist, collecting and sorting recyclables to support themselves. They take pride in helping to keep the streets clean, contributing to the well-being of their community, even though their work is challenging and often unpleasant.

Takeaways

• 🚛 The speaker introduces themselves as someone collecting garbage in San Isidro, Makati.
• ⏰ Their workday begins at 2:00 AM to prepare the truck, and actual collection starts at 4:00 AM.
• 📍 The work starts at Galvani and progresses through Dian and Bautista areas.
• 🥾 Workers often scramble for limited protective gear, such as boots and gloves.
• 🦠 Garbage collection is hazardous, with workers sometimes encountering dangerous materials like human waste.
• 🕓 A typical workday starts at 4:00 AM and usually ends by 11:00 AM, but sometimes extends to 12:00 PM to ensure thorough cleaning.
• ♻️ They collect recyclable materials such as bottles and newspapers, which they divide among themselves.
• 👃 Workers become accustomed to the bad smell over time, even though others find it unbearable.
• 👷 Despite the dirty and dangerous nature of their work, they find purpose in contributing to community cleanliness.
• 💪 The speaker expresses pride in the job, recognizing the importance of their contribution to public health and safety.

Q & A

What is the speaker’s job?

The speaker works as a garbage collector in San Isidro, Makati.

What time does the speaker usually wake up for work?

The speaker wakes up at 2:00 AM to prepare the truck for work.

What challenges do the workers face when collecting garbage?

The workers face challenges such as a lack of equipment like boots and gloves, and dealing with unpleasant conditions, such as bad smells and even human waste.

What areas do they start their work in?

They start working in the areas of Galvani, Dian, and Bautista.

What time do they usually finish their workday?

They usually finish around 11:00 AM, but sometimes it extends until 12:00 PM.

How do the workers feel about the dirty and smelly conditions of their job?

Although the job is dirty and smelly, the workers are accustomed to it, and over time, they become used to the conditions.

Why do the workers continue doing their job despite its challenges?

They continue because they need to earn money and they take pride in helping keep the environment clean.

What items do the workers collect and sell for extra income?

The workers collect plastic bottles, newspapers, and paper, which they later divide among themselves to sell.

How do the workers feel about the risks involved in their job?

Although the job is dangerous, the workers accept the risks because they believe they are helping their community by keeping the streets clean and reducing health hazards.

How do the workers view their contribution to society?

The workers see their contribution as important, as they help clean the streets and prevent the spread of diseases, even though others may view their job as undesirable.