This is Arenda in Pasig, Manila.
I want to write, "this is the urban slum". Which I guess technically it is. However, I wonder if that is what the people who live there consider it. "Slum" is such a harsh word. I was taken by trike with some volunteer missionaries into this area of Manila. It was by far the harshest living conditions I've ever seen. I can not imagine what this place is like in the rainly season. The homes are made out of metal or concrete blockes and many if they are lucky have propped up homes because of the flooding problems. My heart was heavy on the days we visited this place. They know a different life than I know. People who live in Arenda are there supposedly because they were squaters and had to be relocated. Or they have moved to Manila from the provinces and are trying to begin a life for themselves. I have to wonder how bad life is for them in the provinces if they have to move to Arenda to "make a life for themselves". Arenda used to be a garbage dump. The city covered the dump with dirt and "provided" this "relocation" area. How nice! (sarcasm) You can see garbage everywhere.
To the left is a Nazarene Church in Arendabuilt by a Nazarene Church in Oregon. This church is now in someway sponsored by Taytay church in Manila. On the weekend they have a teaching and food ministry.
I want to write, "this is the urban slum". Which I guess technically it is. However, I wonder if that is what the people who live there consider it. "Slum" is such a harsh word. I was taken by trike with some volunteer missionaries into this area of Manila. It was by far the harshest living conditions I've ever seen. I can not imagine what this place is like in the rainly season. The homes are made out of metal or concrete blockes and many if they are lucky have propped up homes because of the flooding problems. My heart was heavy on the days we visited this place. They know a different life than I know. People who live in Arenda are there supposedly because they were squaters and had to be relocated. Or they have moved to Manila from the provinces and are trying to begin a life for themselves. I have to wonder how bad life is for them in the provinces if they have to move to Arenda to "make a life for themselves". Arenda used to be a garbage dump. The city covered the dump with dirt and "provided" this "relocation" area. How nice! (sarcasm) You can see garbage everywhere.
To the left is a Nazarene Church in Arendabuilt by a Nazarene Church in Oregon. This church is now in someway sponsored by Taytay church in Manila. On the weekend they have a teaching and food ministry.
No comments:
Post a Comment