Life Among the Tombstones: A Community’s Struggle in Manila’s Cemetery

In the heart of Manila, a sprawling cemetery intended as the final resting place for some of the Philippines' wealthiest citizens has also become an unlikely home for hundreds of impoverished families. Many residents, like De Los Santos and her family, have lived there for generations. Initially, they arrived as caretakers, employed by affluent families to maintain their ancestors’ tombs or deter grave robbers. Over time, these roles evolved into a unique way of life. Today, these cemetery dwellers carve headstones, dig graves, and sweep tombs to make ends meet.

De Los Santos, now 40, grew up in this cemetery alongside her 10 siblings and has since raised two children of her own in the same setting. Despite the challenges, she reports no fear of the supernatural.

"You’re just fighting the addicts. People who can really do something bad to you when they’re on drugs. But ghosts … this is where we grew up. There really aren’t any." – De Los Santos

The daily grind of working on tombs yields meager earnings. Each tomb provides an average of 50 pesos (approximately US$0.85) per month, resulting in an annual income of about 600 pesos (US$10.18) for many families. This low income underscores the difficult life faced by those who reside among the dead in search of shelter and survival.

The cemetery itself is vast, containing the graves of notable figures such as presidents, movie stars, and artists. Despite this opulent backdrop, the people who live within its confines struggle with poverty and a lack of basic amenities. Their community is characterized by a resourcefulness born out of necessity, finding ways to sustain themselves amid the gravestones.

The cemetery's residents continue to endure despite the financial hardships that come with their unconventional lifestyle. The work they do on tombs is not only labor-intensive but also pays poorly, trapping them in a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. Yet, for many, this life among the tombstones offers a sense of community and continuity, having been passed down from generation to generation.