Payatas was the largest solid waste dumpsite for refuse collected from the entire Metro Manila. It was otherwise known as the second smoky mountain (first one being in Tondo, Manila) — where mountains of mangled plastics, bottles, rotting waste and other forms of rubbish are constantly smouldering and smelling. This is where thousands even tens of thousands of “scavengers” both young and old, men, women and children, live amongst the garbage, in shanties, collecting whatever could be of value to sell to make a living.

That was until year 2000 when the Payatas Tragedy happened. Nearly 2000 people were burried alive during a typhoon that forced an avalance of smoldering garbage, burning over 500 shanties in its path.

Then there was a flicker hope when Gawad Kalinga, its sponsors and volunteers build a community of colorful houses, public school/nursery. St. Vincentian Fathers also owned and operated a feeding center, where kids can receive a nourishing and vitamin enriched meal and even a recreation area with a small swimming pool. These gave the Payatas residents the second chance to live again and be happy. Most especially the children.

Last night a fire broke out in Payatas – a Task Force Bravo Alarm, which is the second in the seven-high fire alert status.

Once again, my heart goes out to its residents and once again I fear for then, as I say a little prayer for their safety.

Share This