The population over the years is booming . The continuous migration of squatters to the area is alarming. A relatively high birth rate also contributes to the population boom.
Women give birth amidst Manila's refuse, without safe water, electricity or professional help.
The mortality rate, not counting the June 10 disaster, has slowly climbed as well. The majority finds income through scavenging the dump. Women, men and children scavenge the waste from dawn to dusk, collecting cans, plastic, scrap metals, bottles and newspapers to earn 60-70 pesos per day. People on the scrap heaps die at about 40 years because of these fumes. Companies require at least high school level education before they hire.