By Cheska Ote

March is a time for us to appreciate and highlight the remarkable women that surround us. From our mothers, who nurtured us since we were young, to our teachers and formators, who have armed us with knowledge and intellect—it is an understatement to say that we would not be anywhere without them. While we shower our utmost love towards these individuals, it is also important that we spotlight our unsung heroes, such as our school security guards.

Long Hours 

Everyday, from the crack of dawn until the silent hours of the evening, they tirelessly work to make our school a home. Ma’am Megan*, for one, used to start off her day (in her previous home) at 2 AM—which is an hour when most of us are not even awake yet! 

“Kailangan umalis ako ng bahay ng 4am, dahil ang formation namin is 5:30, kaya kailangan nandito na kami ng 5am,” she described. Ma’am Louise*, on the other hand, also has a similar schedule. According to her,  “Gumigising kami ng 2 to 3am, tapos magbibiyahe kami minsan ng 3:30 to 4 AM, depende sa layo. Ako, umaalis ako ng bahay ng 3:30 AM.”  With an early start to their day, our beloved ates and kuyas then proceed to work a 12-hour shift in the different areas of our school—from manning our facilities, to helping us cross the street, to regulating the flow of traffic. 

With this strenuous schedule comes an inevitable set of obstacles both inside and outside the walls of school—including fatigue, exhaustion, and sometimes with regards to transportation going home. “Nahirapan kasi ako mag-uwian [dahil sa] gastos, tapos ang tulog ko ilang oras lang,” as illustrated by Ma’am Megan*. She shared that this schedule is one that she eventually became accustomed to, especially with her recent move to an area closer to campus. 

It is worthy to note that for many of our ates, their roles as caretakers extend past their work here in Ateneo. As many of them hang their uniforms at the end of the day, they take on their other responsibility—being mothers.  “Palagay natin 8 PM ka nakauwi. Siyempre, mag aasikaso ka sa pamilya mo, sa [mga] anak mo. Makakatulog ka ng 11 PM or 12 PM tapos gigising ka ng 2 AM or 3 AM para umalis. Kaya kami naman, kahit minsan parang nakakapagod, kailangan namin tiisin,” Ma’am Louise* expressed. 

Student Interactions

For many of our security guards, what helps them forge through the day’s trials are the simple, yet meaningful interactions with the very individuals they protect—their pals. Ma’am Bea*, for one, has always loved children. Compared to her previous posts, “Mas masaya ako kapag kasama ko yung mga bata. Mahilig talaga ako sa mga bata,” she fondly indicated. 

While for many, their love for the students of the Senior High came naturally, some had initial apprehensions. Ma’am Megan* weighed in on her experience on this, recalling the fact that she did not think she would forge any bond with the SHS crowd since she did not do so back when she was positioned in the Junior High. She mentioned that, “Noong una, baka wala akong makasundo […], pero nung nandito na ako sa Senior High School maraming akong naging friend na estudyante. Di ‘ko akalain na meron akong kasundo na student dito.”

With all that said, student interaction does just come in the form of morning greetings and bag checks. As we all know, it also manifests in the way many are not fans of—rule enforcement (also known by some as “tough love”). Ma’am Megan*, acknowledging this, stated that there is a perception around her as being “mahigpit.” She narrated that this label is often thrown around especially when she accompanies classes during retreat, given that she is tasked to enforce the bedtime curfew. While this is not a title one would be proud of carrying, she understands where the students come from. “Naintindihan naman nila na ‘mabait naman siya, pero ginagawa lang niya yung trabaho niya kaya siya ganon,’” she added.

A Message From Your Ates

Amidst the long shift hours and trying moments, our ate’s overcome them all for the sake of our well-being. Indeed, whether we notice it or not, their everyday sacrifices and protection have played an integral role in our daily lives. In many ways, they are part of our formation, too, with their own set of lessons they want to impart to us.  

As we prepare to wrap up another school year, Ma’am Bea’s* message for us is simple. “Stay humble, stay mabait, stay respectful,” she wishes.

For Ma’am Megan*, she wholeheartedly hopes that students know that she will always be there for them. “Pasensya kung mahigpit o minsan masungit si ate guard at si kuya guard. Minsan pagod, minsan pinapagalitan. Sana maintindihan niyo yung mga ginagawa namin,” she expressed.

Finally, with only a handful of days left this women’s month, Ma’am Sam* hopes this simple message will reverberate in the hearts and minds of the community: “Ang babae [ay] may lakas din sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay. Kahit sa mga gawain para sa lalaki.” 

From Your Pals

To our ates (and kuyas too), “thank you” is not enough to encapsulate our gratitude for everything you have done for us. Although some of us might fail to greet you in the morning, or attempt to bend the rules (to your inconvenience), we hope that you know that you are the reason why we are able to thrive—why we are able to soar so high. Truly, you all are our unsung heroes. 

Names marked with an asterisk (*) are pseudonyms and were used in place for interviewees who opted to remain anonymous.