There were 3 balikbayan boxes full of clothes, bags, and some stuffed toys which I planned on bringing to Payatas yesterday afternoon. Hindi natuloy because there were many things to do in the office and at 4 pm, I had to run to Cainta. There were also some minor concerns there that needed attention.
Today, I was able to go to Payatas. I haven’t been to Fairview, Novaliches, hanggang Batasan Pambansa lang ang narating ko. Buti na lang my driver was familiar with the area. Magaling sya sa direction.
We surveyed the area at first. It’s hard to miss Payatas because aside from street signs, the continuously flow of dump trucks would lead you to it. If you miss the dump trucks, open your window and your nose would tell you if you’re there already. We opened the window to ask for directions. The smell of bulok na tokwa was so strong.
Driver——— Mam, ang baho.
Me———— Amoy panis na tokwa. Buti nakakatagal yung mga tao.
Driver——– Ganito talaga dito mam, sanay na ang mga tao, hindi na nababahuan.
Me———– Naku, pag-uwi natin amoy panis na tokwa na tayo.
The whole stretch of Payatas Road is full of junk shops. Dump trucks pala don’t go straight to the dump site. They stop at junk shops to sell recyclable materials or useable goods they collected from the garbage.
We followed this truck when it turned right thinking that it would lead us to the dumpsite. Yun pala it’s going to sell some of the salvaged items to a buyer somewhere there according to a man standing at the corner of the street.
Old mattresses for sale.
We were not allowed to go to the dumpsite. The mountain-high piles of garbage could be seen from afar.
I’ve seen many improved houses, made of timber and cement. The place is densely-populated, and abuzz with activities. Mukhang meron naman mga hanapbuhay ang mga tao dun. Parang busy sila.
Parang masarap yung luto nila.
The two schools and two baranggay halls we’ve seen were decent.
Better start clearing this estero before it becomes full of garbage.
We thought it best to entrust the boxes to the Kapitan del Baryo or Baranggay Captain. But since it’s holiday, they weren’t around.
We noticed several used clothing, toys, bags, and personal items being sold on the sidewalk. near the baranggay hall. Mt driver said it’s not a good idea to give the boxes to the guys at the hall at baka sa Ukay-ukay mapunta. Wala dun yung mga Kapitan.
Driver——- “Mam, mukhang mabebeneta lang itong mga dala natin. Magbahay-bahay na lang kayo ng sikreto at iabot nyo yung mga damit”.
Me———- “naku, ayokong gawin yun. Ang init-init. Baka dumugin tayo. Dalhin na lang natin sa Baseco”.
used blankets, maong, dresses, etc.
We thought it best to just donate the items to DSWD or Caritas. My driver said, “Siguro naman mam yung mga madre hindi isusuot yung mga damit ninyo”.
