==THE PHILIPPINES==

Astounded.
That was how I felt when Babman shared the story of her father driving a foreigner to Smokey Mountain, because the former wanted the latter to see a sight which one can undoubtedly find in the Philippines; a sight many behold but refuse to see. I didn't quite know what to say when I heard the story. If I were the foreigner, what could've I said? I would've probably turned my head away and wrinkled my nose in disgust, or uttered words of useless pity.
But I'm not a foreigner, and I have something to say about Smokey Mountain. For many years, Smokey Mountain has been the towering symbol of poverty in our country. A dumpsite in Balut, Tondo, where shanties of squatters piled up over the years, and became "internationally notorious as our girlie bars, most especially during the time the Pope visited us and Ms. Throw- Away-Society-Herself Imelda Marcos tried to cover up the whole section of Smokey Mountain--but to no avail.
Smokey Mountain, for me, MUST go, not because I am apathetic to the plight of the squatters in the area, but because Smokey Mountain poses a great risk to the health of the people residing not only in the area of the dumpsite but to the ones in nearby places too. Medical reports have verified and shown that respiratory ailments are unusually high around the dumpsite. Another reason why I want Smokey Mountain to go is because I fear for the future of the children in the area. They are not given the right and choice to lead a normal and healthy life fit for a child their age. Some have to work at a tender age for a living; some, whose parents do nothing but drink and gamble, are left to fend for themselves in any way [whatever way?] they can. Call me an idealist, but don't blame me for being one. Although there are advantages when one is subjected to the harsh realities of life at age 8, I still cannot imagine a child growing up into adulthood scarred for life; what will happen to our country if and when the majority of the children today grow up with nothing in their memories but bitterness because life was unkind to them? And I say majority, for the masses comprise much of our country's population. Here is where education comes in.
I do not claim to be one of those "bright, highly esteemed people" (translation: those bloody politicians) who know how to solve all the problems of society (but can't even seem to know what problem and which problem to start solving), but I have a reasonable and sound suggestion: how about going easy and cutting back on the foreign trips, FVR, and allot some of your funds for the education of the children? I'm sure these kids at Smokey Mountain have a lot to offer; they already have one advantage over the other kids their age: being subjected to poverty, their character is formed because of their difficult childhood. It would be best for FVR to consider the recurring dialogue in the movie Field of Dreams (starring Kevin Costner): "If you build it, they will come." If he starts the "building" process through education, then these kids would be aware of how to manage themselves and their country, and avoid pitfalls set by opportunists (countrymen and foreigners alike). Then prosperity can come.
Smokey Mountain must go, but provisions must be made for the residents of the dumpsite as they move out temporarily. The government can only do so much; it is here where the people could help by taking a leap of faith--and putting their trust (yes, I admit, the word sends shivers down my spine) in the government, no matter how hard it seems to be. And the government must see to it that it will be the poor who will benefit from the low-cost housing project and commercial center that will become part of Smokey Mountain.
Sharon Cuneta, during the filming of "Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig" never said it better: "The smell of Smokey Mountain really sticks to your skin, as if you committed a murder and the blood won't wash off, no matter how many times you wash yourself."
I don't want to become a murderer--much more feel like one. Would you?