Marco was born in Helping Land, Tondo – a slum community that sits on an active dumpsite and is home to hundreds of families whose main source of livelihood is scavenging from garbage.
Last weekend, Marco had “pagpag” (recycled food from garbage) for dinner; he got food poisoned, got so sick and dehydrated. His mother didn’t have any money that evening to bring Marco to the hospital; no neighbors can lend her. Marco was brought to the hospital the following day and was rushed to ICU. Tragically, Marco passed away that early morning.
Mario, his 5 year old brother was also hospitalized a day earlier. Mario ate peanut butter from a jar, also found in garbage.
Children living in extreme poverty like Mario and Marco usually go to bed hungry and wake up hungrier the following morning. As we may all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for these children, breakfast may be their only meal and thus a life-saving meal !
The tragic death of Marco prompted us to feed the children in Helping Land on a daily basis! Learn more about our Feeding Programs.
As most of us would say: A least, he is in heaven now; at least he is not hungry now; at least he is not in pain now… but truly, there is no “at least” on a death of a child, NONE! Specially, when the circumstances can be avoidable!
These are some of the pictures of Marco and Mario with their siblings:
Rest in peace, my godson Marco! +
