Smokey Mountain, then and now

Have you seen Smokey Mountain lately? †The same Smokey Mountain that has brought so much shame to our country? †That monstrous pile of stinking human refuse from all over Metro Manila. †Yes, that’s the permanent image of Smokey Mountain etched on the minds of millions here and abroad.

Smokey Mountain Then<br>Photo Credit: ehponline.org

Smokey Mountain Then (Photo Credit: ehponline.org)

But what if I tell you that Smokey Mountain is a lush green hill that offers an eye-soothing backdrop to the typically dreary view of Manila’s north harbor? †Would you believe me?

You don’t have to. †As they say, to see is to believe.

Smokey Mountain Now

A few years after Metro Manila’s garbage stopped piling on top of it, Smokey Mountain is healing itself. †From afar it now looks green and clean. †Cogon and other weeds now cover its slopes. †Enterprising residents around the mountain are now “farming” on top of it, planting vegetables and corn. †The Boy Scouts even conducted a tree planting activity on it a few months back.

A much closer look will reveal the tons and tons of plastic garbage jutting out of Smokey Mountain’s slopes. †Being non-biodegradable, it will take thousands of years before these are completely broken down to their basic molecular components. †But with luck Smokey Mountain may soon completely “hide” them away.

This is a very clear indication that positive change can and does happen. †We just need political will from our government leaders and discipline and cooperation from everybody else.

Now if only the remaining (and again growing) informal settlers around and near Smokey Mountain are finally and completely relocated.