8/12/2019 Secrets of the New Manila

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Secrets of the new Manila

Manila is a place full of wonder. Manila is somewhat small for the density of the

population it is holding. But who would have thought that one barangay within Quiapo,particularly the barangay 393 zone 40 district III would hold up to somewhat big

population.

I have noticed, during the ocular visit, that the area assigned to our block is

somewhat big. At first, you would thought that the area is like a typical compound but as

you go further you would notice that there are lots of informal settlers. I also noticed that

informal settlers are near within creeks. And some others are at the back of the historical

pagoda through which they lived in apartment type of houses. We first visit the barangay

hall, through which one of the kagawad named Mang Rusty tour us within the vicinity. I

was asked in our group to take up the directions and make map from FEU to the whole areaof the district. And as I take down notes I have seen that facilities are almost complete.

They have different schools within the barangay, even day cares, police station, court,

polyclinic and chapel. Nakpil museum will also be seen in the Bautista Street within the

district. We are very lucky to have Mang Rusty because as he tours us, he also gave basic

information and background for the area. I remember what he told me that with the

hospital they have, which is near in the chapel, is just a polyclinic that mostly only those

who can afford can stay in. He even told us that, the whole district before is a tourist spot

and the Pagoda is one of the most popular place in the town. No houses will be observed

before the administration of Marcos. I agreed to it because there are fragments of history

that can be seen. What caught my attention are the statues that are left in the area

particularly in Ocampo compound and some ancestral houses that was observed in

Hildalgo Street and the Ocampo mansion, the white house, in front of the barangay hall.

There are lots of things to discover in Manila but what is our concern is the possible

problem that the residents are facing in. We have more to explore in the barangay that we

are assigned into. I have seen possible health problems for the children, one of it may be

dengue because they are near the creek. Days will be given to us. We have to survey and

take up information and this will unfold more of the secrets of Manila. What Manila is

hiding beneath its popular name and its historical background? Would the status of thecitizen will still be at secret phase? Or I as a student can make a difference?