Security personnel uniform knows no gender

AS THE NATION celebrates every woman this March, Panay News pays tribute through a series of life stories featuring women in fields that are conventionally ruled by the opposite gender.

In this first part of the series, women security guards will be highlighted. A job usually filled by men back then, women have gradually entered the workforce over time.

From monitoring to securing and protecting establishments from crimes, this line of work is very risky and poses various hazards. More so that they have to stand for eight straight hours and only take breaks when they have to go to the comfort room or eat.

So why do some women choose to work as security guards?

Ellen Joy Marido, 23, single, and a resident of the province of Antique, works as a security guard at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

Despite her young age and having completed a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, she chose to take the risk.

It did not ever cross Ellen’s mind to feel ashamed about her job, as what precedes her is her determination and dedication to help her mother and brother who goes to school.

According to Ellen, she witnessed at an early age how her mother took on the role of two parents, which is why it was instilled in her that a woman can do a man’s work.

“Kumbaga ang obra sang lalaki, naobra ya man, kumbaga nanay kag tatay sia sa amon nga mag-utod. Amo man na ang rason kon ngaa wala man ako sang pili sa obra,” she said, recounting how she lost a father at a young age.

Ellen encourages her fellow women, especially those with partners, that if they could, it is better to have an income and not rely on a sole provider, as sustaining basic needs would become easier for both.

“Sa akon ya sa ulihi bisan may obra akon bana, mangita gid ako obra kay lain gid kon duha kamo may obra para double ang inyo income,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shella Belarmino, 29, a resident of Jaro district, said having a job meant she was financially independent from her husband.

“Nag-apply ako as security guard, kay ang akon ginaisip kon paano makabulig sa akon pamilya nga makabayad sang kuryente kag tubig kag bakal sang bugas, tanan ah,” she said.

Shella pointed out that she took the opportunity with confidence in herself, knowing that it was something she was capable of.

“Kaya eh, pareho man lang ang obra namon kag pareho lang man ang sweldo. Subong nga panahon tanan pararehas, ang obra sang lalaki kaya man sang babaye,” she said with resolve.

She braved stereotypes and applied as a security guard as a way to help her family.

“Indi man buot hambalon nga kon babaye ka dapat sa sulod sang balay ka lang. Subong daan dapat kon babaye ka may obra ka gid. Paano na bi kon bayaan kaw tapos may bata, ano na lang ang isagod sang imo bata,” Shella added.

To add, Milagrosa Flores, 42, a resident of Miag-ao town, said all that she does is for her children, one of whom is currently in college and one in elementary.

“Gusto ko lang magtimbang sa bana ko kay naga-eskwela ang amon mga bata,” she said.

Milagrosa revealed that she had engaged in online selling before but saw that her earnings would not suffice for their needs.

So far, Milagrosa has not encountered any difficulty at work and instead enjoys it.

According to her, women who choose to work, particularly in jobs that are predominantly held by men, should not be ostracized.

“Kon isipon gid mas dedicated nga mag-obra ang mga babaye. Amo na nga indi ako ya pabor sa hambal nga dapat kon babaye kaw ang imo obra pang-babaye lang,” Milagrosa added.

This National Women’s Month, she encourages women to get out of the gendered roles society has assigned.

“Kung kaya nila mag-obra sang lalaki, i-try man nila kay indi tanan nga babaye asta lang sa sulod sang balay,” Milagrosa quipped./PN