Blog Assignment 2/ Research

I have always wanted to research the slum areas in the Philippines. I went a few months ago and spoke to local residents about the education system for children and family life. I had an opportunity to speak to a wonderful family about their experience living in the slums of Manila. They were very candid about their living situations.

First, I found out that family lives in the same area for generations. Many members in the family share the same house owned by their aunt. In order to make a living they sell food out of their house.  I learned that the upper middle class individuals own most of the businesses. The middle class are mostly mangers in companies. The lower class earns about 12 dollars a day. I then proceeded to ask about the education system. I was told that public school is free up until high school. Most families living in the slum cannot afford to pay the school fee. The guide who accompanied me said that school lunches are not free and many poor families can’t pay.  According to family, the government tries to relocate some residents into housing outside of Manila, but most families tend to came back because they can only find decent paying jobs in the capital. I was told that the city is trying to build up its infrastructure; due to this fact, one of the most desirable jobs is in construction. A bike messenger job is also good if you can get one. The family also said even though they are living in the area they are very proud because they sent two children to college and they are very proud of that.  

I really wish I had more time with members of the community. They were open and honest. I hope to go back very soon and interview more families. I think if I continue with this research I can contribute information about people living in poverty and hopefully bring a different picture of an average family succeeding in poverty despite adversity. We often see the negative pictures of poverty such as, run down building, and in some cases gang violence. In fact, there are so many families raising successful children living in some of the worse conditions.