Tondo – located at one of the districts of metro manila, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the Philippines, and in the world. A place notorious for being the poorest yet most undeveloped district of the country, where many of the city’s slums are found.
My first time to go in Tondo was around last year, when I helped out in the traffic and road safety event for a client. Never insinuating that I am sheltered, (because I’m not), I got a taste of how it is in Tondo. I never thought I’d be coming back to this area; but then again, never say never.
I’m currently doing an advocacy project for a client where vegetable consumption among Filipino kids is encouraged. With this as the ultimate foundation, we found a story of a kid in Tondo who attributes his poor school performance to his low vegetable consumption (primarily because he lacks nutrients that make him lethargic and perform poorly in school).
We booked Magandang Umaga Pilipinas – a top-rating morning show in ABS CBN – to tape a segment that revolves around this story. As a standard operating procedure, I had to make sure the characters were prepared for this taping; hence, a proper media briefing was in order. So a day before taping, I went back to the slums of Tondo, and had my media briefing with the kid, and his grandmother. It was a Tuesday, April 24, 2007, and my car was color coded; hence, I took a cab going to the area.
While waiting for the TV crew, I was walking around the compound of Don Bosco Youth Training Center, in Tondo. There, written on cartolinas, were rates of the coming year’s tuition fees for kinder garden – Php. 1800 for the whole year. It got me thinking, I pay Php. 2330 for my Fitness First membership every month, while these people make ends meet to educate their child for Php 1800 A YEAR.
Shocking, and Sad.
A part of me was guilty of indulging because I can; while a part of me was mad at our history, which caused a domino-effect and has partly catalyzed poverty.
I’m not an expert in Philippine History, but here’s my two cents:
Pre-Colonial (Hispanic), time:
The population was low, and resources were high. People had fewer demands/expectations/temptations, while the basic needs remain the same.
Fine, let go on.
Spanish Era:
Spaniards came and conquered our land. To gain trust and confidence with local tribes, SOME Datus were bribed with gold, and promise of land; while others were forced through “guns.”
Intermarriage between natives and Spaniards happened; giving birth to an elevation, in status, of these “local” families. These families had more land and money. They produced off-springs, who inherited these fortunes. These families had the same surnames prominent today – Cojuanco, Ayala, Zobel, Lopez, to name a few. (I may be wrong with some families, but I’m sure at least one family in that roster is correct).
They had haciendas that had native workers, harvesting what is to become fortune for them. Land was the currency, and they had it.
American Era:
The Americans came and “freed” our nation (that’s another story). In the politics of conquering, you need to have the right people on your side. Who do they tap: These rich families because practically, they control the country. So yada, yada, yada, we became independent from the Americans while the rich became richer and richer.
Marcos Era:
Still, the rich families were unharmed until Martial Law. The Economy worsened.
Post Marcos Presidents:
Cojuanco-Aquino: the name alone, strikes a tone of “why am I not surprised.” Of course, prominent families had the “right” to be in power, because since time-immemorial, they are the ones “in the circle.”
Ramos: the Philippines became a Tiger Economy. Kudos. Of course, there were anomalies, like any administration, but my personal view says that he has done his share in improving the country.
Estrada: Impeached.
Arroyo: a lesser Evil.
One would argue: other countries in Europe, had feudal systems that similarly gave more power to certain families over “normal families,” and yet, they are developed, or not as bad as the Philippines.
There’s some truth in this argument. This is precisely because the future of a nation – whether to be developed or not – is a choice of its people.
At a certain point, Filipinos have been bruised too much with abuse. Perhaps some are blinded, and have no hope. While others who do have hope and ability to speak out, are trapped with bureaucracy and red tape.
My experience in Tondo was both bitter sweet. You see a depressed area, and yet, an area that has concern in improving itself; if only given the proper opportunity.
The country will elect new leaders this coming May 14, 2007. I wonder if their “promises” include plans in helping out Tondo. I’m sure the local officials running for the said area does; but will it materialize?
When will we learn?
Note: my opinions here may have a lot of false generalization, but I don’t have the time to discuss everything in detail. Let’s have tea and discuss then, if you don’t agree. J
