Smokey mountain
Became East Asia's largest slum, symbolizing urban poverty and neglect.
Baseco District
Baseco District, located just south of Tondo District along the Manila Bay coast, was originally the shipyard of the National Shipbuilding and Steel Corporation (NASSCO). In the 1980s, the urban poor began settling in this area, turning it into a slum, with an influx of people and customs from the Tondo District. The residents, despite their poverty, live vibrantly. However, given the harsh realities of the area, it has become a significant part of this tour.
Tondo District
Originally a fishing village, it transformed into a collection point for waste from Manila City in 1954. It came to be known as "Smokey Mountain" and became widely recognized as the largest slum in East Asia. Concerned about the deteriorating image of the capital and health issues, the Philippine government forcibly closed it in 1994, leading to its slumification. From 1995, the waste disposal function was transferred to the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City. The Tondo district is now somewhat developed as a residential area, but there are still places where garbage is piled up, and only those with permits are allowed to pick up garbage. For safety reasons, this tour is limited to those who wish to participate. (Option)
Learn more
[History] The last Smokey Mountain
[History] Why "SMOKEY" mountain?
