Meet the science-loving scavenger of Manila

(Updated 10:14 a.m., July 29) - His name is Alfredo Manuel, and he is a scavenger.

He can also tell you, if you ask, the scientific name of any plant—without missing a beat.

A photo of him by Debei Cargando, a  student at University of the Philippines-Manila, has started going around on Facebook.

Decades ago, Manong Alfredo graduated from the University of the East with an Education degree. However, he was unable to realize his dream of teaching.

Apart from reciting the scientific names of plants, Manong Alfredo can recite poems in Spanish and possesses a large English vocabulary.

Although Manong Alfredo passed the teachers' board exam in 1992 as well as the civil service exam, it remains a puzzle how he acquired his special knowledge of plants and language.

Some who know him call him a genius.

Though Manong Alfredo collects garbage in the Malate-Ermita area, he resides in Sta. Ana, Manila.



Humble beginnings

According to UP Manila history professor Benjie Mangubat, Manong Alfredo started out as a janitor in an elementary school. He put himself through college.

Just when things seemed to be looking up, Manong Alfredo was rejected for the position of schoolteacher in the same elementary school he used to clean. Mangubat noted that Manong Alfredo was unaware of his pending theft charge at the school.

Manong Alfredo applied to the same institution for five years—but to no avail. He summarily gave up and contented himself with collecting and selling scrap, junk, and recyclables. The bachelor lives with a relative.

Mangubat was about to interview Manong Alfredo when Cargando took the photo. The history professor plans to write the life story of Manuel for a competition. If luck is on their side, the prize—a house and lot—will be given to the scavenger.
 
“Parang ang unfair ng society. Educator siya pero nangangalakal siya ng basura. Siguro nga disorganized siya, pero nakakapanghinayang pa rin,” Mangubat told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

“Gusto talaga niyang magturo. Tuwang-tuwa ‘yan ‘pag may kumakausap sa kanya. Kakausapin ka pa niyan in English…ako nga'y teacher, pero may mga alam siya na hindi ko alam,” he added.

GMA News Online has yet to talk to Manong Alfredo, who is on the move and does not have a cell phone. — VC/HS/KG, GMA News