At age 77, Aurea Abrera of Barangay Banaoang in Mangaldan, Pangasinan is dubbed as the 'Queen of Recycled Materials' for her colorful and beautiful creations made entirely from recycled materials.

Abrera’s passion for making bags from recycled materials began when she was just 10 years old, taught by the nuns in her church. 

“Marami akong natutunan sa kanila, doon talaga nagsimula lahat kaya natuto ako,” Abrera said.

Since then, she has expanded her creations to include dresses, fans, bags, baskets, and even home decorations, all crafted from recycled items.

Creating products from recycled materials has been a significant source of income for Abrera, helping her support her education and, later, her family. 

She was also able to send all three of her children to school with the earnings from her creations.

She also did not mind sharing her skills and knowledge with others. 

Abrera taught her neighbors how to make products from recycled materials as she continues to believe there is value in what others might consider trash.

“Itong basura akala nila itatapon nalang, pero may pera sa basura, maging matiyaga lang,” Odelin Quilicon, one of Abrera’s students, said.

For Abrera, her success is not measured by the perceived value of the materials she uses but by the comfort and joy her creations bring to her family and community.