On this map of Smokey Mountain and its surroundings, if you move your cursor over the yellow markers you will see photos taken at those locations.

The history of the two garbage dumps (for simplicity’s sake we call them Smokey Mountain 1 [1] and Smokey Mountain 2 [2]) in this area dates back to the 1950s when garbage started being dumped on Smokey Mountain 1. In 1996 the dumpsite was closed by the government, and those living there were moved to temporary housing [6]. After 5 years they were transferred to apartment blocks that were partly built on the dug away edge of the old garbage dump [8]. Although people had a roof over their heads, they still needed a way to earn a living.

Manila’s garbage still needed to be dumped somewhere, and a new garbage dump (Smokey Mountain 2) arose. Currently the garbage is being mostly dumped in barges [4] where the new dumpsite inhabitants earn their living by scavenging through the garbage for glass, metal or plastic, etc. A new ‘business’ has also started on the garbage dump: charcoal making [3] (used for cooking) from pieces of old wood collected together.

Tens of thousands of people live in slums and ghetto-like housing around the garbage dumps [7].

N.B. The new Young Focus Student Center is now under construction [9]. The existing Student Center, which will be used till the end of 2010, is off the map.

The Young Focus Child Care Center is built on the garbage dump [5].