I couldn’t believe what I heard when I received a call from Leonie Martirez. Leonie just returned from a trip in Campbelltown to pick up some boxes full of used clothing that were donated by Ateneo Alumni Australia. Leonie and Ella Magallanes Martirez own Austral Cargo. They offered free pickup and delivery of the boxes to the families (of some 12 Filipino boxers) who reside in Manila, Cebu, Davao and other provinces in the Philippines. There were about 20 big balikbayan boxes and each box could have earned $100 for Austral Cargo but Leonie so generously gave up at least $2,000 worth of cargo revenue.
What Mr. Martirez saw prompted him to call Philippine Tribune because he couldn’t believe that such sub-human conditions exist in Sydney. He said that the boxers live in a garage owned by the boxing promoter who probably sponsored their one-year sports visa. There were at least 3 bunk beds shared by the boxers inside their makeshift living quarters.
Two hundred dollars per fight
A boxer earns about $200 each time he fights but fights don’t come regularly. Boxing bouts happen so rarely that the boxers share $200 among themselves to send to their families back home. Whatever is left is spent for their sustenance. Rather than use the money for bus fare, they just walk to wherever they may want to go. There is absolutely nothing left for amusement or entertainment. They just subsist on whatever is available.
“Para silang manok na naghihintay na lang para isabong,” (They were no better than roosters waiting to be sent to the cockfighting arena.) said Mr. Martirez in a tearful tone.
Work skills
One of the boxers approached Leonie asking for help in finding a job. Being here on a sports visa, they are probably authorized to seek employment. We just don’t know what work skills they posses. Who knows, some of them might just be qualified to do whatever job is available.
Jobs that do not require much skill
There are many kinds of jobs that do not require much skill. Cleaning is one such job. I know there are some Filipinos who own cleaning franchises. Kitchen hand is another decent job that will help the boxers maximize their stay in Sydney. Philippine Tribune is calling on them to help these boxers.