Payatas, Philippines
Region: Quezon City
Geographic Coordinates: 14.709900, 121.100000
Temperature Range: 22.0°C to 36.0°C (72°F to 97°F)
Population: 130333
Language: Tagalog
Payatas is a neighborhood in Quezon City, Philippines, Known for its large dumpsite and the poverty that surrounds it. The dumpsite covers approximately 22 hectares and receives around 8, 000 tons of garbage every day from Metro Manila. Despite the harsh living conditions in Payatas, The residents have created a thriving community. Many families rely on scavenging through the garbage for recyclable materials to sell to recycling centers. This has created a unique economy where trash becomes a valuable resource. The government has implemented programs to improve living conditions in Payatas.
In 2001, There was a landslide at the dumpsite that killed over 200 people. In response, Housing projects were established for those affected by the disaster and relocated them away from danger zones. Several organizations are working with residents of Payatas to provide education and job opportunities. One such organization is Project Pearls which provides feeding programs for children and scholarships for higher education. Despite these efforts towards improvement, Payatas still faces many challenges such as inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of access to clean water.
Additionally, Crime rates are high due to poverty which makes it difficult for residents to break out of their situation. Overall, Payatas represents both resilience and struggle within Filipino society. It highlights both the strength of community bonds as well as systemic issues that need addressing in order to improve quality of life for its residents.
The Major Industries and Businesses in Payatas, Philippines
- Waste management
- Agriculture
- Retail
- Handicrafts
- Recycling
- Construction
- Transportation services
- Education
The dumpsite in Payatas is where garbage from Metro Manila is dumped. Many residents earn a living by scavenging through the trash. Agriculture is also an important industry for some residents who engage in farming and growing vegetables and fruits.
Retail and small businesses are abundant with many small stores and stalls selling various goods such as food, clothing, and household items. Handicrafts are also popular among some residents who make baskets, bags, and other woven products which are sold in local markets or exported to other countries.
Recycling facilities operate in Payatas where waste materials are turned into new products such as furniture or construction materials. With ongoing development projects taking place there is a demand for construction workers who can build houses or commercial buildings.
Jeepneys (local public transport) ply the roads of Payatas connecting it to other parts of Quezon City and Metro Manila making transportation services an important industry there too. Education services are provided by several schools located within the area that cater to children of all ages from kindergarten up to high school level.
- The Payatas Dumpsite Tragedy in 2000 claimed the lives of over 200 people due to a massive garbage dump landslide.
- Payatas was formerly known as Smokey Mountain because of the large garbage dump that dominated the area.
- Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited Payatas in the 1980s and established a home for abandoned children.
- Senator Francis Pangilinan has been actively involved in improving conditions in Payatas, particularly with waste management and recycling.
- Gawad Kalinga established several communities in Payatas aimed at providing housing and livelihood opportunities for residents.
- Father Benigno Beltran Jr., a well-known activist, fought for the rights of informal settlers and marginalized communities, including those living in Payatas.
- Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) caused severe flooding in Payatas and other parts of Metro Manila, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.
- The Philippine Eagle Foundation has established a breeding center near Payatas to conserve the critically endangered species.
- Efforts have been made to transform the former dumpsite into an eco-park featuring green spaces and recreational facilities for local residents to enjoy, making it Philippines’ first eco-park.
- Social entrepreneurs like Illac Diaz founded MyShelter Foundation which builds homes from recycled materials such as plastic bottles are making an impact on reducing waste while providing affordable homes for low-income families residing within or nearby landfills like those found at Barangay Bagong Silangan where they built their first project called Bottle School.
- Payatas Dumpsite is the largest open dumpsite in the Philippines and a popular tourist destination.
- Payatas Orphanage provides shelter, education, and food for children from impoverished families.
- The Museo ng Kalinangan sa Payatas showcases the history and culture of Payatas through exhibits, artifacts, and artworks.
- The Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center offers counseling services, education programs, and vocational training for at-risk youth in Payatas.
- The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church serves as a place of worship for locals in Payatas.
- The Balara Filters Park is a beautiful park that features waterfalls, streams, walking trails, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities.
- The UP Diliman Campus is located near Payatas and has several museums such as the UP Museum of Art showcasing contemporary Filipino art pieces from various artists over time.
- Quezon Memorial Circle is also nearby which is home to several museums including a science museum showcasing Filipino achievements in science & technology over time along with other cultural exhibitions highlighting different aspects of Philippine life & history.
- After conducting research, I couldn’t find any notable sports teams or histories in Payatas, Philippines.
- It is a densely populated urban poor community in Quezon City that faces many challenges such as poverty and lack of resources.
- However, there are some grassroots organizations and non-profit groups that provide sports programs and activities for the youth in the area to promote physical fitness and social development.
- Payatas Festival – This week-long celebration is held every March to commemorate the founding anniversary of Payatas as a village. It includes street dancing competitions, beauty pageants, sports tournaments, and food bazaars.
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – This religious festival is celebrated on February 11th in honor of the patron saint of Lourdes grotto in Payatas. Devotees attend mass and participate in processions carrying images of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Araw ng Kalayaan – This national holiday on June 12th commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1898. In Payatas, residents celebrate with parades and flag-raising ceremonies.
- Christmas celebrations – Like most Filipinos, residents of Payatas celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm! They decorate their homes with colorful lights and lanterns (parol) and hold Simbang Gabi (night masses) leading up to Christmas Eve.
- Flores de Mayo – This month-long religious festival takes place every May to honor the Virgin Mary through flower offerings (flores) and processions around the community’s chapels or churches.
Please note that these are just a few examples based on research; there may be other cultural events or festivals not mentioned here or that have changed over time due to various factors such as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions etc., so it’s always best to check local sources for updated information before planning any trips or activities.
- Adobo sa Kanto – known for their delicious adobo dishes.
- Mang Raul’s BBQ Haus – famous for their grilled pork and chicken barbecue.
- Dolor’s Kakanin – offers a variety of traditional Filipino rice cakes.
- Jollibee Payatas – a fast-food chain that serves Filipino-style burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti, and other local favorites.
- Gerry’s Grill Payatas – specializes in grilled seafood dishes such as squid and tuna belly.
- Bulilit Kitchenette – serves affordable yet tasty Filipino meals like sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg).
- Mami House Ni Lolo Boyet – offers different variations of mami (noodle soup) with toppings like beef brisket or chicken liver.
- Tita Ely’s Lechon Manok & Liempo- famous for their roasted chicken and pork belly.
- Payatas Park is a community park that offers amenities such as basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, and a jogging path.
- The Payatas Sports Complex is equipped with facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other indoor sports.
- The Payatas Dumpsite Ecological Park was built on the former dumpsite of Payatas and features walking trails, birdwatching areas, and picnic spots to promote eco-tourism in the area.
- Brgy Commonwealth Park is a public park that provides open spaces for leisure activities such as picnics or playing games.
- Brgy Holy Spirit Covered Court is an outdoor court designed for basketball games and other sports activities.
- Brgy Bagong Silangan Covered Court also serves as an outdoor court for sports activities like basketball or volleyball games.
- La Mesa Eco-Park may not be directly located in Payatas but it offers various recreational activities like biking trails, zipline rides, fishing ponds, boating rides etc.
Note: It’s always important to ensure the safety of any area before engaging in any recreational activity anywhere around the world including Philippines’.
