Payatas dumpsite relocation

It's been finalized... we've been expecting it to happen soon... the residents had attended meetings. But for some time now the authorities gave no concrete plan of action. But the confirmation has come. The dumpsite is expanding and the authorities are relocating the people on Zamboanga street! Even Paaralang Pantao has to go!

Back in 2000 there was a landslide which killed quite a number of people. The dumpsite that collapsed is just behind the school. The few years following the Payatas Tragedy, the site was left alone. There were bodies that were never recovered. But 2 years ago, dumping on the newly greened hill had resumed. The hill is back to its former status as a dumpsite, bigger than before. The school used to have a backyard and there was enough space for the kids to have their PE or play their games. There used to be a basketball hoop and the kids loved a quick game of basketball during recess. But the dumpsite has moved right up to the school's backyard and there's no longer a play area for the kids. We used to have art and karate lessons out doors but now that space is gone. Ate Baby's little hut, just beside the backyard, is leaning right against the dumpsite. At times I worried for her girls and her. If another landslide took place, they would have no way out. Thankfully they have since moved to Erap.

Ate Marj and Kuya Dave have to leave. Kuya Bebot and family also have to leave. and sadly Paaralang Pantao. I don't know who else has to go. The families are given very little compensation and not even a place to go to. But knowing Tita Letty, she will not give up so easily. She and Fr Aldrin from the Vincentians are negotiating a better deal for the other families and also for the authorities to provide a place for Paaralang Pantao within Payatas.

At this point of time, I'm not sure where I'll be come December 6. The younger acts29 youths will be in the Paaralang Pantao at Erap. If Paaralang Pantao still operates in Payatas then that's where I'd like to be. I'm told by Jay thay maybe we will only have a tentage shelter up for the kids at that time. But I guess that as long as the kids come, the school wil go on.. and so will our food project and so will our mission. Never mind that we are short of a school building. For the sake of the children, we must not give up. Giving up is to give up on their dreams.

At the backyard of the school:

art lesson in progress


karate kids in action


Singaporean laundry services