Pandacan

Great report, thanks for this! I was pleasantly surprised because I have actually spent a lot of time in the Pandacan and Santa Mesa communities featured in your report, and have ridden those trolleys many times. I was actually there carrying out research on the community resistance against the oil depots. They are emitting all kinds of toxics into the air and many people are suffering adverse health effects. This is a very important issue you might like to look into.

No way out

There are many talented, well educated and motivated people in the Philippines who would make excellent politicians. Unfortunately they have no chance to develop such skills due to the current system of nepotism and privilege. Ask Filipinos what their aim in life is and I guarantee most would say it would be to work overseas; not because they want to leave the Philippines but because they see no future. Henaro's story highlights the plight of articulate people trapped in grinding poverty.

No One To Be Blamed

We can't blame the Church for over Population of Philippines,Because everyone has their own stand and belief.Nor to blame the government for the corruption and poverty.I think Filipinos should take a move now!!be a wise voter!!!!and if you want to change the world,begin to change your self.

Help for Genaro

It was nice to see all the comments and intentions of helping Genaro and his kids. If the intended help is long term, it would be great. but if its a one shot help, it would be good to help Genaro put up a small business and keep the funds rolling for the childrens education. Mark, i can help to contact again Genaro, and do the monitoring with the progress of the family and kid's schooling. thank you to all you generous people who are willing to help.

Funds for Henaro

PUP

Hi Mark, Just a correction a small correction. PUP is the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The University of the Philippines is the big state university in Quezon City. People who spend 2 years in that university are not likely to take on jobs like Henaro's. Really enjoyed this report though. People like Henaro are rarely featured in Philippine media.

Spot on

Been to the Philippines 6 times and shot a documentary there myself. I have actually travelled on the rail transport twice before - it's hair raising stuff when you go across the rail bridge. If a train comes the only escape is a 10 metre drop into very polluted Manila water. This report reveals everything I love about that country. The people are warm, witty, intelligent, pratical and very clever. Filipinos deserve so much more then they get from their very poor governments. Well done Mark

Don't just help. Save them from the church

It's good to help. Around the world you will see a lot of cases where your heart will melt. However, at the same time do not forget the damage the church has done to these places. As long as they still operate and convert innocent people, no amount of help will fix the problem. The church is like a plague of the worst kind. It has a pretty surface but very severe after shocks. I come form a small town where people were doing fine b4 the church moved in. Now the place rots with Gangs and poverty.