Scavengers

'Scavengers' tells the story of life on and around the infamous dumpsites Payatas and Smokey Mountain in Manila, Philippines. Many of the residents depend on these dumpsites for livelihood: significant percentage of the population are scavengers, roaming atop the mountains of garbage to find recyclable materials that can be sold to junk shops and even food for their families. Descending these steep hills, one can easily be acquainted with the familiar picture of modern-day poverty: a deteriorating government housing project, rows and piles of illegal settlers’ makeshift abodes and hordes of people engaged in odd jobs and illegal sidelines.