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Dondi Tawatao / Getty Images Contributor
Residents try to salvage recyclable materials from what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire that engulfed hundreds of makeshift homes in a shanty town community in the Tondo district of Manila, Philippines, May 12.
During the fire, at least 100 people were plucked from the waters thick with ash and debris, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Amazingly no deaths were reported, though at least five people were injured.
Rouelle Umali / Zuma Press
A resident searches underwater for any reusable materials from the remains of his home.
Jay Directo / AFP - Getty Images
Residents search for usable items at the site of a fire in a shanty town in Manila.
Dondi Tawatao / Getty Images Contributor
Residents try to salvage recyclable materials on what used to be houses in the aftermath of a massive fire.
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I do not understand for the life of me. why we need to argue about who deserves it, lower class, middle class or upper. Who CARES? How about it being a friggin human being that needs our HELP! I am so tired of the posturing, when in reality, you are just showing people your ignorance. How about we use these forums for HELPING our brothers and sisters around the world?
Catholic country, Christian country, no birth control?? Birth control pills can be bought for as little as 25 cents US or more than $5.00 per month. It is available to all. The number of unwed births is very high. For a Christian country they have a classification for unwed births when recording birth records. You will find Shanty areas in many places, the term is called Squatters. Yes there is lots of poverty, but there is also more people going to school, Not just grade school, but also high school and University.
My step daughter (filipina) just graduated from Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The cost was about $20 per semester. This is a government school. The graduating class was about 7000. Transportation was much higher each month. Another step daughter is studying Nursing and the cost is much higher over $1000 per semester. Most Filipinos value an education. The education is paid for by the families, no scholarships. These people work hard. Now there are many lazy people here just like in the US and many parts of the world.
For the person that drove through Manila many years ago, try driving through again, if you can get through the traffic. Look at the buildings, the Malls, the streets, the train system THE SCHOOLS. Yes if you go in the right places, you will find poverty. I did when I lived in the South in the US. Do people live in the streets in the US, Yes, they also do in the Philippines.
The Filipinos get an education so they can go to work in other countries. This country has an Office of Foreign Workers. That is where a lot of $$ comes to the country by workers sending money home to their families. They export Doctors, Nurses, Computer specialists, Electricians, and Laborers.
The government will not rebuild the slums, the Shanty towns. They don't want them and they don't want them to be seen. People will be relocated or move into other areas. It is a tragedy but they will help each other because it will not come from the government. Handouts are very rare.
I spent a lot of time in the Philippines during the 60's. It hasn't changed much as far as the proverty. They are a proud group of people. But like our neighbor Mexico, the government only stands by the rich and to hell with the poor. Now that most of our military bases in the Philippines have closed, it has a big impact on their finances and jobs. I was always impressed with the talent and work ego of the Philippino people.
The only thing I can say after 10 years of living abroad and came back here 2 months ago....MANILA IS GETTING WORST INSTEAD OF GETTING BETTER,WHEN YOU ARE ABROAD THEY SAID "THE ECONOMY IS BETTER"BUT WHERE??? I DIDN'T SEE ALL OF THAT!ALL I SEEN IS HUNGRY PEOPLE BEGGING HERE AND THERE,LIVING ON A SHANTY AREA,SLEEPING NEAR THE ROAD LAY ON SCATTERED BOXES...IS THAT HOW WE PAY OUR TAXES.?SHAME ON OUR POLITICS ALL THEY DO IS TO CALL PRESS CONFERENCE ..WHAT IS THAT?YOU ARE NOT THERE JUST TO SEAT ON THE THRONE ,YOU ARE ALL THERE TO WORK FOR US WHILE WE PAY ALL OF YOU,IS LIKE WE WORK ABROAD WE WORK AND WORK SOMETIMES 24HRS JUST TO SEND MONEY IN THIS SUCKS COUNTRY!!......after the tragedy how many families are homeless,how many children go to the streets and beg for help???how many stomach hungry for food and how many types of sickness will come and soon....SO please stop wasting our money for nothing we deserve to live a better life..give better future to our children,I'm afraid that my children grow in this way of living!
I served in the P.I. 32 years ago, U.S.M.C. Subic Bay, Cubi Point for 17 months. These pictures really don't look much different from when I was over there. Their own government does not care about them, never has never will, and they are no longer any use to us, that's why we have no military base over there anymore...and I just read a week or two ago about a 'faux wall' that was put up to shield areas like this because of a summit or something that was going to take place real soon. Their government didn't want the rest of the world to see this maybe, or is it just a coincidence?
Admit, it's a capitalist paradise. There aren't even any income taxes just sales taxes. Capitalism with free markets, no government intervention. A CEO's dream except the "taxes" are paid in exorbitant bribes to the officials. In Mindanao the mayor saw a nice piece of property on the shore. They didn't want to sell so the mayor paid off the goons to make them a deal they couldn't refuse. No justice either.
Most are on the take. The biggest employer must be the security guard company with the blue shirts. It was a nice touch to eat a Big Mac with a blue shirt walking through with his sawed off 12 gauge.
Think it is any better in any of the People's Democratic Republics? I've been to a few..it is worse. It is the nature of Man. Power is sought and gained..Everywhere. The middleclass Utopia you obviously dream about will never be a reality. Try to live in the real World.
SHANTY TOWN , is ONE OF IMAGE of PHILIPPINES COUNTRY , as long the GOVERNMENT of the Philippines never changes CORRUPTION & UNFAIR JUSTICE , Philippines never blested by the FATHER GOD king of the universe in heaven. This is the reason always Philippines has a lot of desaster because of Government Officer's are all "BLIND TO THE TRUTH". I understand most of the FILIPINO PEOPLE POOR (lower class) need to survive every day means "HAWAK SA PATALIM" specially for our children's need to feed at less once a day if possible . NOW this is responsible of Philippines Government to support the Filipino people BEFORE other country ? the only problems in Philippines are "LAW" , if you are one of the poor FILIPINO stealing one bread from store for thier child "DEATH PENALTY) , Ampatuan Family , Gloria Macapagal , & same (PMA OFFICER'S) "PARE MAGNANAKAW AKO" they never give JUSTICE because of "MONEY" & "POWER". This is the reason a lot of FILIPINO'S in AMERICA THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP Philippines because the Government Officer's are the one who recieved first before the Filipino people poor. Yes , AMERICAN COUNTRY we will support Philippines any time but you sale your SPIRIT to LUCIFER , stand in the name of our FATHER GOD king of the universe in heaven thru JESUS CHRIST before they will destroy the world thru "WATER" soon. It is written it should be done according to the PLAN of the FATHER GOD king of the universe in heaven. I am a FILIPINO too but I live in AMERICA , HOUSTON,TEXAS just like a "LIVING DEATH" since 2004 up to the present CITY OF HOUSTON was missing up my name , any company I apply for job ALWAYS I am DOWN because of CITY OF HOUSTON. its better the "RACIAL BLACK PEOPLE" even they are INMATE , ILLEGAL USER OF DRUGS IN WORK , NO EDUCATION (NO READ , NO WRITE) they got a job SUPERVISOR or MANAGER. Never give up my FILIPINO PEOPLE (KABABAYAN) ask to our FATHER GOD king of the universe in heaven , every thing we will give it to you REMEMBER THAT. For all people who was effeted of FIRE (SHANTY TOWN) GOD BE WITH YOU ALL & 10 of your FAMILY . I alwayd "PRAY" to our FATHER GOD save our country PHILIPPINES & MEXICO in his PLAN when the time is come. THEREFORE for all ask hold , to much comment IN THE NAME OF YOUR GOD , bless your all SPIRIT in his kingdom ( HEAVEN OF LUCIFER). 100.5% IT WILL BE HAPPEN SOON.
Philippines used to be better off than most other Asian countries in the 1950's and 60's. Her demise in the last half century was primarily due to the government's poor management and squandering of public fund and the government officials'corruption where money for public development usually ended up in the pockets of the politicians. Also Philippine's lack of effective birth control, as strongly influced by the catholic teaching, has seen a population explosion to just over 100 milion competing for limited resources.
In comparison nations like S Korea and Taiwan which also are resource-poor but through good government planning and control and the hard working of the people, manage to propel their nations to the front line of industrialized nations. Even fellow ASEAN members like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are doing a lot better.
Philippine's poverty and a lack of job opportunies have compelled millions of her citizens to work abroad as domestic helpers, labourers and in vice games in order to survive and support their families. This is a pity, Philippino people are warm and friendly and they deserve better,
Philippine only has herself to blame.
Since 2008 I've been to the Philippines 5 times. It's very hard to see how many of these wonderful must live, and they are wonderful people. They seem to be very good at making something out of almost nothing while still having a smile on their faces. I hope and pray this tragic situation opens a few eyes and something good comes of it. God Bless you all.
My heart goes out to my people. I left when I was a little girl and not without resistance. I love my birth country, my Philippines. I recently returned after 30 years to open up a business to help my kababayans and come to find out hardly anything has changed. But I am trying to make a difference. Filipinos who has left our country and not doing anything to help alleviate the crippling problem that's continuously plaguing our country aren't helping. Instead of bad-mouthing, do something! Yes, I am one, one of many that's growing, coming back and investing back into our birth country. There are enough Filipinos outside of the Philippines coming back to demand change, to make a difference.
The past is gone when we were once the most influential country in Asia. But there are enough of people like me who is making a change and still hope and dream that our birth country will once become that great country again.
No, these pictures are horrific and unacceptable! My heart breaks when I see things like this. It is changing. Things are slowly turning around. It takes a long time and a lot of obstacles to go through that has been a "norm" for decades.
Education is a must. The Catholic church needs to back off and stop keeping my kababayans to where they are. When the poor are having 7, 8, 9 children that they cannot feed, how are people going to be able to get off the cycle of poverty?
Filipinos outside of the Philippines have the power to demand change. If you guys care as much as you say you do, voice your demands among millions of Filipinos who are demanding for change! The government will have no choice but to listen!
God bless the Philippines. Don't criticize, but help the people directly rather than going through a foundation such as the Red Cross because it will not get to the people who needs the help.
My poor kababayans. Help is coming. God bless you all.
its not always the governments fault. These people that live in these shanty towns won't move even when the government tries to give them housing. In some cases, these same residents fight with the police who are trying to help them move to new homes.
I have seen the Philippine government give land to people, and they turn around to sell it to others at ridiculously low prices. Then when the government tries to relocate them again, they either fight against the authorities or get another free home/land which they sell again.
Plus a lot of these people don't pay anything into taxes as they work driving pedicabs, or jeepneys. There is no possible way to tax their income. With so many workers that go untaxed, the government can not possibly continue to provide services to these people. These are the same people who will not pay 100 pesos($2.50) per month(for the entire family) , but they will drink P100.00 in beer to hang out with their buddies.
It's a viscous cycle, but I'm convinced that a lot of these people bring it on themselves to live the way they do.
the 100 pesos per month is for medical insurance.
Rattus68. Dont pretend that all filipinos want to work. I lived there recetly. I asked some men who werent working if they wouldnt mind cleaning up a vacant property across the street from me. I placed no conditions on them as to how many days they needed to get the job done in. I offered to pay them a fair daily wage and feed them lunch and mirienda. They declined in spite of them complaining that they had no income.
This scenario happened a several times in less than 3 years.
I too am filipino and during the past 2 years, I am ashamed to say that there are quite a few lazy filipino's that do not want to work. They will however take a handout all day-everyday.
I guess I'm one of the lucky employers who happen to have hard working Filipinos working for me.
for some strange reasons, filipinos work hard and behave well when working for a foreigner.
so true.
Problem with our kabayans is that they feel entitled. Just look at how they conduct themselves in public in the Philippines. They spit on the streets, they piss on the streets, they stand in the middle of the streets, they litter everywhere and they don't care if they block(jeepneys and busses stopping in the middle of traffic lanes to pick up passengers, as well as people from neighborhoods who use the street like a living room (naka tambay sa daan) your way as you travel on sidewalks, streets etc.
Ulong.. you are so right. Pinoys act like the most pleasant hard working people when they are around foreigners or when they're in a different country. But when they''re in the Philippines, they act like a**holes to anyone they don't know.
Jessica, you're one of the lucky one's to have hard working kabayans. But think about it, these people bring it on themselves. From the corruption in government to the lack of jobs to the unsanitary living conditions. Most pinoy's would rather drink beer/redhorse and tambay than spend some time cleaning up their surroundings and helping to build a better life for their families.
G3a1, I did notice there were a few who were tambay in the corner sari-sari stores. But I guess I am lucky. My katulong and driver, they go above and beyond what I expect of them and my expectations are high because I was raised in the USA. I have 60 people working for me and I see these people working so hard and with a smile. So far, so good.
I also introduced a financial planner to my workers so their mentality of money would change and they would learn to save. I do know that a lot of the poor don't have much of that mentality because a lot of them don't have enough at the end of the day. I pay for the financial adviser to come in and do workshops for them and teach my workers the value of their earnings and how to build their nest egg.
I also introduced them to maintaining their health and I do give them full coverage of health insurance - medical, dental and vision and this is in addition to the govt policies such as Pagibig, etc. Most of my employees have never filed tax returns and I brought in my tax accountant to do a workshop and help with the employees filing for their tax return and to teach them the importance of filing. But you are right, the govt still needs a lot of work. But the govt in the USA are just as bad in stealing from the people, in my opinion.
People coming from outside of Philippines need to understand that these are also human beings and needs to be treated with respect and dignity and not just mere work horses. I think with the way I've been treating my employees with a little bit of dignity, they seem to show their appreciation with working hard and they understand that not all employers give them what I have been giving them.
There are many like me who are trying to change things, one person at a time. Our numbers are growing.
Maraming salamat at God bless.
I am an American who was fortunate enough to live in Manila for some time five years ago. I was overwhelmed by how kind everyone was, literally, all the the time. While not all Manila lives like this (Tondo is another poverty stricken area) a lot of people in the Philippines don't have very much but they still have hope and are still kind and work hard. We could learn a lot.
A terrible tragedy to a very proud people. My sympathies's to all.
When planet nibiru hits the earth it will all look this way.
It's interesting and educational to read people's comments. There are also a lot of good suggestions that I read. I myself had no idea of the conditions that these people have to endure. Of couse, there are plenty of homeless people in the United States as well. The difference in my view is that a homeless person in the US doesn't have to stay in a specific area and are more spread out. I mean, with thousands of people living in such a cramped area, with each small shack connected, it was only a matter of time for this to happen. Whereas these people are limited I would assume.
With today's technology in regard to septic systems, and pretty much everything, to me it's unexcusable for these conditions to exist when there are rich people who could remedy the situation. If not with their own money, in which they could invest and make money, while at the sametime making their country a better place to live, but also with their influence when it comes to politics. I know, it's probably easier said than done and since I'm not rich and not there it's even moreso. So, then I believe it comes to the government responsibility to guide the country in a better path.
I remember when the whole Marcos situation happened. With her having thousands of shoes and such when her fellow citizens go through the garbage just to find something to eat. "Greed" "Selfishness" , that's what's it's all about. In anycase, their conditions exist because people just don't care unless it is themselves that are experiencing hardship. Well, nothing lasts forever and I would rather die knowing that I did the right thing by helping people then die knowing that I could have helped and chose not to. Just sayin!
there's no real "rule of law" in the philippines... graft and corruption is rampant in the government. nobody is being per/prosecuted for it. the catholic church, aka padre dumbass'o, condone and "bless" their actions in return for hefty "donations". and, i am not even touching the pedopriests... hell on earth...
the country has a dysfunctional government. the oligarchs in cahoot with the catholic church use the squatters as fodders for "charities". think when you send your donations to the philippines squatters via some heart stopping charitable organizations... it's a multi million dollar business... but, filipinos have no shame... they rather idolize the likes of pacquiao, charice, and the american idol rejects... pathetic...
Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28
been there and seen the way these people live. now, to the Philippine people this is everything for them. what about all the aid the us gives them in aid,why not put in the aid package that houses must be made for these people. i like the container idea,but the heat in p.i is a killer sometimes. even the goverment over there could fix this if they got off there ass an did better by the people.
this is not even counting the people that live in the jungle in crappier homes. how about aid for the people instead of guns,airplanes??
poor people
I will stop complaining about the upgrades that I want ( do not need ) in my home. I am so thankful to live in this country ( USA ) and not in the Philippines. I feel so sorry for those people. Those of you that complain about living here should go to another country and see what life is like. You may come running back to live with this government that you dislike so much.
What goes around catches on fire. I've been to the Pill-a-peens and they treat you like a lepper. They try to get you to have sex with 6 y.o. girls and boys, they will steal you blind, even if you already ARE blind. They put Americans out of work with their so-called "Support centers", they are 90% muslim and 10% Catholic, and that means they are radicals one way or the other. They really do HATE Americans and if you are an American Jew, you may as well stay home. If they want sympathy, it's in the dictionary between $hit and syphillis. If they want money, they can call mecca. Now, lets get on to REAL news.........
I don't think its fair for anyone to lay blame on someone or anyone in a higher developed country for something that happens in a less developed country, the country in question is the one that should be blamed for lack of concern. Nobody in this world ever got to choose where they wanted to be born and raised, and you are raised with the values , morals, and ediquette of your surroundings. I'm not trying to be insensitive but my point is that you could donate alot of your money to those people but it probably wouldn't make much difference, as sad as it may sound you can't change people.
headed to Manila to work for an orphanage in the city June 1, this should be interesting...
@Peacecorps: Good luck to you. As a foreigner, you will be treated with respect, but you could also become a target for crime. I'm glad there are people like you who do good things for others. I hope your experiences are both rewarding for you and the children you will serve.
If you ever get to Angeles, Pampanga (about 40 miles north of Manila) look up "Duyan ni Maria". It's an orphanage run by nuns. They're good people and the kids are amazing. My wife's high school class has started doing an outreach program with them and they come out to the orphanage once a year and bring donations of school supplies, clothing and whatever else they can gather up from donors. It's always a rewarding experience to be able to give a little and to see the smiles on the kids faces.
Somehow, they even get Jollibee to bring out the bee to entertain the kids.
One day, I hope that my wife's Alma Mater can increase the outreach visits to 2 or even 12 times a year. How cool would it be if each monthly visit could be a birthday celebration for everyone who has a b-day that month and every child received a small birthday gift and cake on their b-day month!