2. As for the environment in Smokey Mountain, there is simply no words I can use to describe how bad the situation is. As you can see from picture 002, the pair of boots on loan to me by PCF sank in three inch deep of what seems like mud. Except it wasn't mud. It is decomposed rubbish mixed with rainwater and mud. So you really don't know what you are stepping on. My heart broke that morning when I saw one of the lady's foot pierced with a sharp object causing her to bleed and limp. Later I learned that boots are considered as luxury items to the residents in Smokey Mountain.

3. Another thing to note is the foul smell of Smokey Mountain. Imagine living on wastes and food left to decompose for years, together with the frequent flooding due to poor drainage system. I was told that the condition is so bad that even mosquitoes cannot breed on the foul-smelling stagnant water found everywhere in Smokey mountain

4. A particular experience that I would like to share is when I came across this provision shop operating inside Smokey Mountain and bought 19 packets of biscuits that cost me only one peso each! That is equivalent to about 15 Singapore cents or 10 US cents each. When I tried to give the biscuits to the children, they were so shy to take it from me that I have to offer this particular girl three times before she was dare to take it from me. Though they are hungry, I realise that the people are not violent or harmful, in fact, people there are friendly and peaceful. One of the mother came up to me and thank me for giving food to her girl for she had been hungry since morning because their food ran out. My heart ached for I have never heard of such experience in Singapore where a mother has got no food for her child.

5. Children in Smokey Mountain that are old enough to walk are sent out to the dump site as “wastes pickers” to collect recyclable objects and support their family financially. I cannot say more about how this job destroys the childhood of any child.

6. The most rewarding part of my trip was getting to know about PCF meeting the passionate duo, Jane (founder of PCF) and Lynie (my local guide from PCF). I saw how a small group of people make such huge personal sacrifices in order to bring love and hope to a community that was discarded and unwanted by many. There are many other good efforts of PCF that can be found on their website. I will share some that I experience first hand.

7. As understood by all NGOs, the key to eradicating poverty is education. PCF understand this well and that is why every morning, they will drive their van into Smokey Mountain, ferry children to their school for free education, provide free nutritious food and best of all, in order to deter desperate parents from taking their children out from school for wastes picking, PCF give out rewards in terms of rice and can food that will “compensate” the parents for the opportunity cost of their children in school.

8. As I got to see the children both in school and in the dumpsite, I realise by giving them the opportunity to be clean and attend school give them a senses of hope and basic human dignity.

9. On top of educating the children, PCF also place an emphasis on training the teenagers and adults with skills that will help them to earn a living.

10. Thanks to doctors in Philippines with a big heart. PCF is also able to provide free medical treatment for the children and residents in Smokey mountain.

11. PCF is building a new compound which will allow them to house more children, in fact, they have a dream to bring in all the children in the dumpsite and eradicate the poverty chain that the children are trapped in. A dream that I believe we should support till fulfillment.